New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many...
Transcript of New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many...
![Page 1: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
NEWMEMBERSORIENTATIONBOOKLET
2016EDITION
![Page 2: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
2
TableofContent
Bishop’sWelcome ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3
TheImportanceofChurchMembership ………………………………………………………. 4
OurGoalforYou ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5
Lesson1:AboutNHCI ……………………………………………………………………………….. 6
Lesson2:Emphasis&StyleofWorship ……………………………………………………….. 13
Lesson3:Creed,Bylaws&Tour ……………………………………………………………………. 16
Lesson4:Salvation …………………………………………………………………………………………… 17
Lesson5:Prayer …………………………………………………………………………………………… 21
Lesson6:EveryChristianaProclaimer&HowtoWriteyourTestimony ………….. 27
Lesson7:TheChristianLife ………………………………………………………………………………… 36
Lesson8:SpiritualGiftsDiscovery&PersonalAssessment…………………………………. 44
RecommendedBooksforSpiritualGrowth ………………………………………………………… 54
![Page 3: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
3
Bishop’sWelcomeWelcome,NewMember!GodblessyouandthankyouforchoosingNewHorizonChurchInternationalasyourcenterofworship,fellowship,spiritualgrowth,andChristianservice.WeareacongregationofbelieverswhoaretrulyblessedeachtimethattheHolySpiritpromptsindividualsandfamiliestouniteinfellowshipwithus.AsSeniorPastor,Iextendmyhandandheartinfellowshiptoyouandoffermyservicetoyou.Ipraythatyouwilltakeadvantageoftheopportunitiesforworship,growth,andservicethatareavailabletoyouasmembersofNewHorizon.Toeaseyourtransitionintoourcongregation,wehavecreatedthisorientationclasswhichisdesignedtoinformandacquaintyouwiththepoliciesandpeoplethatmakeNewHorizonthedynamicchurchthatitis.ThisbookletwillprovideanintroductiontothemanyopportunitiesforChristianservicethatareavailabletoyou.IamthankfulforyourpresenceandbelievethatGodsentyoutousforourmutualbenefitandforHisglory.Iprayyouwillinvolveyourselfinsomeaspectofourcomprehensiveministryandcometobelieve,asIdo,thatourLordisusingNewHorizonChurchInternationaltoachievemarvelousthingsforHisgloryandforthegoodofourselvesandothers.Iwelcomeyouaswejourneytothe“newhorizon”thatourLordhassetbeforeus.CountItAllJoy!
BishopRonnieCrudup,Sr.
![Page 4: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
4
TheImportanceofChurchMembershipTheBible’sView–Acts2:46-47
Socontinuingdailywithoneaccordinthetemple,andbreakingbreadfromhousetohousetheyatetheirfoodwithgladnessandsimplicityofheart,praisingGodandhavingfavorwithallthepeople.AndtheLordaddedtothechurchdailythosewhowerebeingsaved.
Therewasaspecificgroupofpeopleineachcitythatwasthe“church.”TheGreektermfromwhichtheword“church”isderivedisEkklesia. Theliteralmeaningofthiswordis“acalledoutassembly”ofGod’speoplejoinedtogetherasawholecommunity.InNewTestamenttimes,thechurchwasviewedasagroupthatcouldbenumbered,addedto,andidentified. Itwasaveryidentifiablegroupofpeoplewhowerecalledouttobedifferentfromtherestoftheirculture.Fellowship–Acts2:42
Andtheycontinuedsteadfastlyintheapostles’doctrineandfellowship,inthebreakingofbreadandinprayers.
Wearecalledintothechurchtoexperiencerelationshipswithoneanother.Thatisawordthatmeanscaringforoneanotherinamultitudeofways–frompraying,tobearingburdens,toencouraging,toloving.
“Andletusconsideroneanotherinordertostiruploveandgoodworks,notforsakingtheassemblingofourselvestogether,asisthemannerofsome,butexhortingoneanother,andsomuchthemoreasyouseetheDayapproaching.”(Hebrews10:24-25)
AccountabilityandAuthority–Hebrews13:17
Obeythosewhoruleoveryou,andbesubmissive,fortheywatchoutforyoursouls,asthosewhomustgiveaccount.Letthemdosowithjoyandnotgrief,forthatwouldbeunprofitableforyou.
WhenwebecomeChristians,weneedtobeconnectedforthepurposeofbeingresponsible.Thisisaconceptthathassufferedgreatlyinourculture.ThewriterofHebrewsadvancestheideaofbeinginabodyofbelieversandbeingunderthecareandauthorityoftheleadership.Together,wewilladvanceGod’skingdom,buildJesus’church,blessHispeople,andhelpourselves.
Welcomeintomembership!
![Page 5: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
5
OurGoalsforYouOnceagain,thankyouforjoiningNewHorizonChurchInternational(NHCI).Thefollowingsevenpointsdefinetheexperiencesthattheleadershipteamdesiresforeachofyouoverthenext12months.Theyalsoserveasgoalswhichwehopeyouwillaccomplish.
1. WehopethatyouwilldevelopanumberofnewanddeeperrelationshipsinthechurchthatwillenhanceyourexperienceinChristandNHCI.
2. WehopethatyouwillfeelexcitednowandinthefutureaboutyourchoicetojoinNHCIasyouallowustoguideyouinbeingabetter,moreconsistentandmaturediscipleofJesusChrist.
3. Wehopethatyouwillmakethecommitmenttoactivelyengagewithusoverthenext
year.
4. WehopethatyouwillstayinvolvedwithyourCare/DiscipleshipGroup.ADeaconCoupleleadsthisgroup.
5. Wehopethatyouwillgetinvolvedinaministryworkhereatthechurch,onethat
relatestoyourpassion.
6. WehopethatyouwillgrowandeventuallyprovideleadershipinsomeareaofNHCI.
7. Wehopethatyouwillworkhardyearlytobringsomeoneelseintoourchurchmembership.
PraytheFollowing:
Lord,helpmeandgivemethestrengthtocompleteandfulfillthesegoalsformysakeandforthechurch’ssake!
![Page 6: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
6
Lesson1:AboutNHCIQuestion1:WhenandbywhomwasNewHorizonChurchInternationalfounded?
NewHorizonBaptistChurchwasfoundedinSeptember1987byBishopRonnieC.Crudup,Sr.,whowasinstructedbytheHolySpiritto,“goestablishachurchthatwouldbeonanewhorizon.”
• Thecongregationstartedwith56chartermembersandwasblessedofGodtoexperiencesteadygrowth.
• Duringthefirstthreeyearsofitsexistence,thecongregationmetinavarietyofrentedfacilities.
• InSeptember1990,thecongregationpurchasedandworshippedinitsfirstbuildinglocatedonBelvedereDriveinSouthJackson.
• InJanuary1998,themembershipvotedtodeletethetermBaptistfromthechurch’snameandwasknownasNewHorizonChurch.
• InJanuary2003,thecongregationvotedtobecomeaffiliatedwithTheFellowshipofInternationalChurches(F.O.I.C.)andtobecomeknownasNewHorizonChurchInternational.
• InNovember2009,thecongregationpurchasedandmovedintoitspresentlocationonEllisAvenueinJackson.
CountItAllJoy!
Question2:WhatisthevisionandmissionofNHCI?
WeareaLovingChurchThat’sLovingonGodandLovingonPeopleCompassionate–Worshiping–Discipling
1John4:11:Dearfriends,sinceGodsolovedus,wealsooughttoloveoneanother.Question3:WhatisthepurposeofNewHorizonChurchInternational?
• ThepurposeofNHCIistobealovingassemblywhomakesstrongdisciplesforJesusChristandwhohelpsmakeJesus’Kingdomcome.
• Itisourpurposetocorporatelyandpubliclyworship,praise,glorify,andgivethankstotheTriuneGod–Father,SonandHolySpirit,toministertheWordofGodtobelievers,topromotefellowshipinthebodyofChrist,andtoencourageevangelismathomeandabroad.
• ItisourpurposetodrawfromtheScripturestheprinciplesthatdetermineourbeliefsandpractices.Themessagewedeclaretoallisbasedonaliteral,grammatical,andhistoricalinterpretationoftheentireBible.WeproclaimthetruthsoftheBible,beingconfidentthatGodisglorifiedandtheneedsofmanaremetwhenHistruthsare
![Page 7: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
7
presentedandobeyed.ItistheWordofGod,ratherthanthewordofman,thatultimatelydirectsourchurch.
• Itisourpurposetomeetfrequentlyforworship,prayer,instruction,fellowship,andoutreach.
• ItisourpurposetorepresentJesuswellandtofulfillHispurposesontheearth.Question4:WhataretheobjectivesofNHCI?
1. Tocreateacongregationwheresinglesandfamiliesaregrowing,excited,andfaithfultoJesusandoneanother.
2. Toencourageanaggressivefellowshipofprayeramongourmembers.3. Topromoteasupernaturalexperienceforeverymemberthatissometimescalledthe
filling(Baptism)oftheHolySpirit.4. Tomotivateeachofourchildrentoeducationalexcellence.5. Toequipeachofouryouthandyoungadultstobetheleaders,entrepreneurs,and
managersofthestateandthenation.6. TodevelopouradultsintotheleadersthatGodhascalledthemtobespiritually,
emotionally,relationally,financially,aswellasintheirsecularemploymentandcommunity,therebycreatingpersonalprosperityandaffectingtheworld.
7. TobringchangetothecommunityaroundthechurchthroughourKingdompresence.Question5:WhatkindofchurchisNHCI?
NHCIisacharismaticChurch.NHCIisaSupernaturalChurchwherethepowerofGodisemphasizedandwhereyouareencouragedtobecomesupernaturaltoo.WeencourageyoutoletGodworkinandthroughyoutoaccomplishworld-classresults.
NHCIisamemberofadenominationcalledtheFellowshipofInternationalChurches(FOIC).TheFOICismadeupofformerlyindependentchurcheswhohavejoinedtogethertofellowship,supporteachother,andaccomplishagreaterworkofChrist.TheFOICemphasizesconsecratedliving,astrongcommitmenttotheBibleastheWordofGod,supernaturaloperations,andmissionsoutreachtotheworld.
Question6:Howaremembersreceivedintothechurch?
NHCIreceivespersonsintomembershipwhopubliclyprofesstheirfaithinJesusChristasLordandSavior,and/orwhotransferfromanotherChristiancongregationthatpracticesthesame.Personsseekingmembershipmustagreetobegovernedasisstatedinthechurch’sBy-LawsandConstitution.
Question7:HowisthemembershipofNHCIorganized?
NHCIisaCellChurch:
![Page 8: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
8
ACellChurchisonethathasdivideditsentirecongregationintosmallgroups(cells).WecallthemDiscipleshipGroups.
EachDiscipleshipGroupconsistsofalimitednumberoffamilyunitsandisoverseenbyadeaconoratrainedleaderwhoisamemberofthechurch’slaity.
TheDiscipleshipGroup’smainpurposeistoassureeachmemberreceivesdiscipleshipthatresultsinspiritualgrowth,maturity,andpastoralcare.
AllNHCImembersarerequiredtobeactiveintheDiscipleshipGroupministry.
Question8:HowisNHCIgoverned?
NHCIisgovernedbyaBoardofElders.TheBoardiscomprisedoftheSeniorPastorandatleastsixothers.
• TheSeniorLeadershipofNHCIiscomposedoftheElders,Mothers,AssociateMinisters,Deacons,DeaconessesandStaff.
o Elders,otherthantheSeniorPastor,areelectedfromamongtheAssociateMinistersandDeaconsofthechurchtoserveatermofthreeyearsandareaffirmedbythecongregation.Eldersgivespiritualoversight,makepolicy,andsupporttheSeniorPastorinfulfillinghisoffice.
o Mothersareselectedladies,oversixty-fiveyearsofage,whoassistingivingcaretotheelderly.
o PastorsareordainedministerofNHCIwhooverseeanareaofministry.o AssociateMinistersaredisciplesoftheSeniorPastorandassistthe
PastoralStaffincarryingouttheirduties.o DeaconsandDeaconessesareservantsofthechurchwhooverseethe
careofthemembershipandassistinotherfunctionsasassigned.• TheStaffofthechurchiscomposedoffulltimeandparttimeemployees.This
includespaidstaffaswellasvolunteers,Pastors,Directors,LeadersandSupportWorkers,whoconductthebusinessaffairsandactivitiesofthechurchandNewHorizonMinistries,Inc.
• TheSeniorPastor(CEO)isthechiefoverseerofthechurch.Itishisresponsibilitytogivevision,trainleaders,shepherdtheflock,andbetheprimarypreacherofthechurch.
• TheExecutivePastor(COO)isamemberofthepaidstaffwhoservesastheChiefOperatingOfficerofthechurchandministries.He/shereportstotheSeniorPastorandtheBoardofElders.
![Page 9: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
9
• TheChiefAdministratorOfficer(CAO)isamemberofthepaidstaffwhooverseesalltheadministrativesideofthechurchandministries.He/shereportstotheSeniorPastorandtheBoardofElders.
NHCILeadershipChart
![Page 10: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
10
Movement&InvolvementChart
![Page 11: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
11
TrackingYourGrowth/GettingYouInvolved
![Page 12: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
12
Question9:WhatshouldbemysummarizedunderstandingofNHCI?
1. NHCIiscompassionateaboutandcommittedtofouractivities:a. Worshipb. Prayerc. Discipleshipd. Missions
2. Ifyou,asaNewMember,willfollowthisvisionandleadership,thenwemakeyouthese
fourpromises:a. YouwillgetSavedb. YouwillbecomemoreProsperousc. YouwillcausechangeontheEarthd. YouwillgetsomeEternalRewards
![Page 13: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
13
Lesson2:EmphasisandStyleofWorshipQuestion1:Whatisthemostimportantactivityofabeliever’slife?
LovingonGod,whichisworship,isthesinglemostimportantactivityofabeliever’slife.Todosorevealsthedepthofone’sunderstandingofwhoGodisandwhatHerequiresofHispeople.IndividualWorshipistheactivitythroughwhichabelieverseeks,bythepoweroftheHolySpirit,torendertoGodtheglory,honor,submissionandpraisethatisdueHim.CorporateWorshipistheactivityofacongregationofbelieversinwhichtheyseekbythepoweroftheHolySpirit,torendertoGodtheadoration,praise,confession,intercession,thanksgivingandobediencetowhichHeisentitledto.
Question2:WhataretheCoreValuesofNHCI?
CoreValuesareactivitiesandpracticesthatgivedirectiontoourworshipofGod.
1. Weareaworshippingchurch.WearecommittedtoreverencingGodbasedonaTrinitarianunderstanding.
a. Biblehelps:(Genesis4:4)(John4:21-24)(John14:6)2. Weareabibliocentricchurch.WearecommittedtotheBibleashavingbeen
writtenunderdivineinspirationandrecognizingthatitistheauthorityandguideforlife.
a. Biblehelps:(Deuteronomy4)(2Timothy3:16)3. Weareaprayingchurch.WebelieveGod’sauthorityandpowerarerevealedto
usandthroughuswhenwecommunicatewithHim.a. Biblehelps:(Proverbs15:8)(Mark11:23-25)(James5:16-18)
4. Weareacompassionatechurch.WearecommittedtodevelopingandmaintainingaproperrelationshipwithGodandtoreachingouttoothersinamannerthatismindfulofHisloveforus.
a. Biblehelps:(Luke10:25-27)(James1:27)(IJohn5:12)5. Weareaservingchurch.WearecommittedtoshowingChrist-likebehavior
towardothersthroughunselfishandsacrificialservice.a. Biblehelps:(Luke10:25-27)(James5:19-20)
6. Weareagivingchurch.Wearecommittedtotheproperuseofourtime,resourcesandspiritualgiftstothegloryofGod.
a. Biblehelps:(Malachi3:10)(Luke6:38)(2Corinthians9:6)7. Weareachurchofexcellence.Wearecommittedtothepracticeofdoingour
verybestinallthingsatalltimes.
![Page 14: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
14
Question3:WhatisBible-orientedpreaching?Bibleorientedpreachingisexpositoryinnature.Itisbasedonpresentingspecifictextpassagesasthewriterswereinspiredtowritethem,ratherthanpresentingthemasameansofsupportingthepreacher’sinterpretationofthetext.BibleorientedpreachingfocusesonbasicBibletruths.ThecenterisJesusChristanditprovidespracticalguidanceforlife.
Question4:WhatisSpirit-ledpraying?
Spirit-ledprayingiscommunicationwithGodtheFather,throughGodtheSonandguidedbyGodtheHolySpirit.
Question5:Whatisthesignificanceofgiving?
TheBibleclearlyteachesthatcheerfulgivingisanactofworship.GivingisanexpressionoffaiththatshowstrustinGodandfollowstheexampleofJesusChrist.
Question6:WhatisthefocusofNHCI’sMusicandArtsMinistry?
OurmusicandartsministryfocusesonwhoGodisandwhatHehasdone.Weusevoices,instrumentsandmovementtopraiseGod!Thetypeofmusicweemphasizeisintendedtoencouragecongregationalparticipation!
Question7:Whatismeantby“FreedomintheSpirit?”
WeencourageeveryonetosurrendermoreofthemselvestoGod.SurrenderingfullytoGodallowstheHolySpirittoleadusintovariousexpressionsofworshipasHeseesfit.
Question8:WhatisthereasonforeverySundaycommunion?
TheScriptureteachesthatwemeetGodincommunionandgraceisimpartedeachtimeonetakesitreverently.Communionhelpsustodealwithoursinfulnessandismoreeffectivewhendoneoften.
Question9:Whatisatitheandwhydoweemphasizeit?
Atitheisatenthofone’sgrossincome.ScriptureteachesusthatGodinstructshowmuchwearetogivetoHim.TithingisasignofouracceptanceofGod’sstandardsandourwillingnesstotrustHimwithourbest.TithingalsoconnectsthegiverintoGod’seconomyofsowingandreapingwhichequalsprosperity.AnofferingisalovegifttoGodthatthegiverdecidestheamount.
Question10:WhatmembershiprequirementsamIaskedtofulfill?• Eachmemberistodesiretogrowbysubmittingthemselvestoleadershipand
participatinginregularactivitiesandevents.• Eachmemberistogivetheirtitheandofferingsregularly.
![Page 15: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
15
• Eachmemberistoreachoutandbringatleastonepersonayearintothechurchmembership.
• Eachmemberistoserveinsomeministryinthechurchregularly.Question11:WhatisthepurposeoftheNHCIcreed?
TheCreedisaconfessionofwhoweareinChristJesus.Initweconfesswhatisoccurringandwhatsurelyshalltakeplaceinourlives.Confessionconnectsintothepowerofagreementforeachbelieverandbuildsupthefaithofallpresent.ConfessionalsocreatesanatmosphereintheChurchwhichisconduciveformiraculousoccurrences.
![Page 16: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
16
Lesson3:Creed,Bylaws&TourTheNewHorizonCreed
HavingreceivedJesusChristasSaviorandLordofmylifeandhavingbeenfilledbythe
powerandthepresenceoftheHolyGhost,Ibelievethefollowingtobetrueabout
myself,othermembersofthischurch,andthoseinthebodyofChrist.
1. IamthebelovedoftheLordandhighlyfavored!
2. Iamsavedforalleternity,coveredbytheBlood,andcleanbeforetheFather!
3. IamacitizenofheavenandanheirtothepromisesofGod!
4. IamGod’ssuperman/superwoman:astrongman/womanovermyfamilyand
homeandinalltheareasGodhasallowedmetotreadupon!
5. Iamasin-buster,anenemyofthedevilanddemons,alivingweapon,divinely
powerful–destroyingtheworksandstrongholdsoftheenemy!
6. IamasaintofGod,afaithfulbrother/sister,aproclaimerofGod’sWordanda
modelofholyliving!
7. Iammorethanaconqueror,amemberoftheroyalfamilyandroyalpriesthood!
8. IamtheredeemedoftheLord,anewcreation,aministerofreconciliation,and
anambassadorofthekingdom!
9. IamsomebodyintheLord!Iamspecial,talented,brilliant,beautiful,
courageous,andcompetent–Iamstrong!
10. IamGod’sman/woman!
WrittenbyBishopRonnieC.CrudupSeeMembershipAgreementForm&Bylaws
ImportantQuestionsInlightofwhatyouhaveheard,doyouwanttogoforward?
DoyoustillwanttojoinNHCI?
![Page 17: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
17
Lesson4:SalvationSalvationisthefreegiftofGodtomanbygracethroughfaith,completelyasidefromhumanworks.Worksinthelifeofabelieveraretremendouslyimportant,buttheyaretobetheresultofreceivingandappropriatingGod’sgraceinthesalvationtheyreceive.Astheprophetdeclares,“SalvationisoftheLord.”(Jonah2:9)“Therefore,ineveryaspectitisaworkofGodinbehalfofmanandisinnosenseaworkofmaninbehalfofGod.”
TheHolmanBibleDictionarydefinessalvationas:
Theacutelydynamicactofsnatchingothersbyforcefromseriousperil.Initsmostbasicsense,salvationisthesavingofalifefromdeathorharm.Scripture,particularlytheNewTestament,extendssalvationtoincludedeliverancefromthepenaltyandpowerofsin.
Nodoctrineofthefaithismorefundamentalthanthatofsalvation.Misconceptionshereresultineternaldestruction,becausefaiththatisplacedinthewrongobjectcannotsave.LetmeaskyouthequestionIoftenaskthosewhocometomyoffice:IfyouweretodietodayandstandbeforeGod,whatreasonwouldyougiveHimforadmittingyouintoHisheaven?Areyourelyingonyoureffortstoliveagoodlife,keeptheTenCommandments,dogood,helpothers,gotochurch,orevenputtingsomethingintheofferingplate?Areyoutrustinginthefactthatinthepastyouraisedyourhand,walkedanaisle,orsignedacard?Doyoubelievethatjoiningachurch,beingconfirmed,orbeingbaptizedwillsaveyou?NoneofthesereasonsareacceptabletoGod.Noneofthesethingswillsaveanyone.TheMeaningandScopeofSalvation
Evenacasuallookattheworldquicklyrevealsman’sconditioninsinandtheawfulplightinwhichthisfallenconditionhaslefthim.Furthermore,itisaconditionagainstwhichmankindiscompletelyhelplesswhenlefttohisownhumanresources.Inspiteofallman’sexpectationsofanewsocietyinwhichmanisabletobringaboutpeaceandprosperity,theworldremainsshatteredandtornbytheravagesofsinlocally,nationally,andinternationally.TheBiblespeaks,however,ofGod’sgraciousplantoprovideasolutiontoman’sproblem.Wecallitsalvation.
AccordingtothebroadestmeaningasusedinScripture,thetermsalvationencompassesthetotalworkofGodbywhichHeseekstorescuemanfromtheruin,doom,andpowerofsinandbestowsuponhimthewealthofHisgraceencompassingeternallife,provisionforabundantlifenow,andeternalglory(Eph.1:3-8;2:4-10;1Pet.1:3-5;John3:16,36;10:10).
![Page 18: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
18
Theword“salvation”isthetranslationoftheGreekwordsoteriawhichisderivedfromthewordsotermeaning“savior.”Theword“salvation”communicatesthethoughtofdeliverance,safety,preservation,soundness,restoration,andhealing.Intheology,however,itsmajoruseistodenoteaworkofGodonbehalfofmen,andassuchitisamajordoctrineoftheBiblewhichincludesredemption,reconciliation,propitiation,conviction,repentance,faith,regeneration,forgiveness,justification,sanctification,preservation,andglorification.Ontheonehand,salvationisdescribedastheworkofGodrescuingmanfromhislostestate.Ontheotherhandsalvationdescribestheestateofamanwhohasbeensavedandwhoisvitallyrenewedandmadeapartakeroftheinheritanceofthesaints.
TheEssenceofChristianityTheessenceofthegospelmessageisthatGodhasachievedeternalsalvationforallwhowillbelieve,throughtheworkofthesinlessSonofGod,theLordJesusChrist,WhodiedonthecrossofCalvaryasthesinbeareroftheworld.Inaword,salvationwasaccomplishedformenbythesubstitutionaryatonementofJesusChrist.WeshallattempttobrieflypointoutthemostimportantfeaturesofthedeathofChristasindicatedinvariousbiblicalpassages.
(1)WhilethelifeandteachingsofourLordJesusareofgreatvalueandimporttotheChristian,itisHisdeathonthecrosswhichsavesusRomans5:6-11.
ThuswemustseethecrossofCalvarynotjustasapartofthegospel;itistheheartofit.
(2)ThedeathofChristwasnotanaccidentoranafter-thought,butapartoftheplanofGodfrometernitypast.
SomehaveattemptedtoteachthatJesusdiedatragicmartyr,misunderstoodandkilledbyanunfortunateturnofevents.TheBibletellsusthatourLord’sdeathwasapartofGod’seternaldecree,determinedbeforecreation:
…knowingthatyouwerenotredeemedwithperishablethingslikesilverorgoldfromyourfutilewayoflifeinheritedfromyourforefathers,butwithpreciousblood,asofaLambunblemishedandspotless,thebloodofChrist.ForHewasforeknownbeforethefoundationoftheworld,buthasappearedintheselast
timesforthesakeofyou…(1Peter1:18-20).
(3)ThedeathofChristwassubstitutionary.
JesusdidnotdieforHisownsins,becauseHewasguiltless:
![Page 19: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
19
…whocommittednosin,norwasanydeceitfoundinHismouth;andwhilebeingreviled,Hedidnotrevileinreturn;whilesuffering,Heutterednothreats,butkeptentrustingHimselftoHimwhojudgesrighteously;andHeHimselfboreoursinsinHisbodyonthecross,thatwemightdietosinandlivetorighteousness;forbyHiswoundsyouwerehealed(1Peter2:22)
(4)InHisdeathourLorddiedinourplace,bearingthepenaltyforoursins.
TheprophetofoldannouncedthatthecomingMessiahwouldbeasinbearer:
SurelyourgriefsHeHimselfbore,AndoursorrowsHecarried;YetweesteemedHimstricken,SmittenofGod,andafflicted.ButHewaspiercedthroughforourtransgressions,Hewascrushedforouriniquities;Thechasteningforourwell-beingfelluponHim,AndbyHisscourgingwearehealed.Allofuslikesheephavegoneastray,Eachofushasturnedtohisownway;ButtheLordhascausedtheiniquityofusallTofallonHim(Isaiah53:4-6).
(5)ThedeathofChristwasafinal,once-for-all,paymentforsins.
IntheOldTestamentGodmerelypassedoverthesinsofthenation(cf.Romans3:25-26).Thebloodofthesacrificialanimalsdidnotforgivesins.Thesebloodysacrificesdidnotbringpardon,butmerelyareprieve.Byofferingthesacrifice,theOldTestamentsaintexpressedthefaithofonewholookedforwardtothecomingofthe“LambofGod.”
…andnotthroughthebloodofgoatsandcalves,butthroughHisownblood,Heenteredtheholyplaceonceforall,havingobtainedeternalredemption(Hebrews9:12).
(6)Inlargemeasure,theworkofthecrosscanbesummarizedinfourwords:redemption,propitiation,justification,andreconciliation.
RedemptionreferstoGod’spurchaseofapeopleforHimself.ThepricepaidisthebloodofChrist.Attimestheemphasisisontheideaofbuyingback,withtheimagerybeingthatoftheslavemarket.WehavebeenpurchasedoutofbondagetosinbytheworkofChristonthecross(cf.Exodus6:6;15:13;Leviticus25:25-27;Ruth4:1-12;Romans3:24;Colossians1:14;1Peter1:18-19).PropitiationdescribestheappeasementoftherighteousindignationofGod,whichisarousedbyoursin.God’sstandardshavebeenviolated,Hiswordignoredorrejected.ThewrathofGodistherebyincurredbyfallenman.ThedeathofChristsatisfiesthedemandsofjustice,andGodisnowabletodealwithusinmercyandgrace(cf.Romans3:21-26;Hebrews2:17;1John2:1;4:8-10).
![Page 20: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
20
Justificationhasatwo-foldreference.Inthefirstplace,justificationreferstoourinnocenceundertheLawandourresultingimmunityfromcondemnationundertheLaw’srequirements.OursinshavebeenbornebyChristonthecross.Ourpenaltyhasbeenpaid,andsotheLawhasnoclaimonus.Godthereforedeclaresusinnocent,justified.Beyondthis,justificationdeclaresustobepositivelyrighteousinGod’ssight.WhileoursinswereimputedtoChrist,HisrighteousnesswasimputedtousandsoGod,asjudgeoftheearth,declaresustobebothfreefromguiltanddeservingoftherightsandprivilegesofrighteousness(cf.Acts13:39;Romans4:6ff.;8:14ff.;Galatians4:4-7).Reconciliationistheresultofallthese.WewhowereoncealienatedfromGodbyoursin(Ephesians2:11ff.),arenowbroughtnearthroughthebloodofChrist(Ephesians2:16ff).
Lesson4Questions:1. HaveyouaskedJesustocomeintoyourlife?Romans10:8-10
2. Howdoyouknowyouaresaved?1John5:12-13
SeeyourattachedPersonalCommitmentGuideformoreinformation.
![Page 21: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
21
Lesson5:PrayerLuke18:1TheJesustoldhisdisciplesaparabletoshowthemthattheyshouldalwaysprayandnotgiveup.Whatisprayer
Prayerispowerful.ItallowsustocastourburdensontheLordandreceiveguidanceandprovisionfromHim.WecanexperienceGod’spowerfordailylivingwhenwe’rewillingtoseekHimearnestlyandbowinreverence.IfyouandIapproachprayercorrectly,wecanhaveconfidencethatHewillrespondtoourrequestsPrayerisavitalpartofthedisciple’slife.JesusChristisourgreatandultimateexampleofhowtopray.IfJesusprayed,howmuchmoreshouldwepray?BecausewearebelieversinJesusChristweprayoutofourrelationshipwithHim.BaseduponourrelationshipwithChrist,ourprayerlifeshouldgrowandmature.WeshouldnotcometoGodinprayerwhenthingsarewrongonly.WeprayoutofourdelightinourrelationshipwithGodandnotoutofduty.Prayershoulddemonstrateatotalconsciousnessofourneed,asenseofourcompleteinadequacyalongwithasenseofGod’scompleteadequacyandwillingness.Matthew6:7-8Andwhenyoupray,donotkeeponbabblinglikepagans,fortheythinktheywillbeheardbecauseoftheirmanywords.Donotbelikethem,foryourFatherknowswhatyouneedbeforeyouaskhim.Hebrews4:16LetusthenapproachGod’sthroneofgracewithconfidence,sothatwemayreceivemercyandfindgracetohelpusinourtimeofneed.
WhyPray
Throughoutscripture,wearecommanded,admonishedandencouragedtopray.Why?Becausethereispurposeandbenefitsinprayerforthebeliever.
• PrayerstrengthensourrelationshipwithChrist-James4:8• PrayertransformsustobemorelikeChrist• PrayerhelpsthebelieverdiscoverthewillofGod• Prayerisforrepentance–Psalm51• Prayerallowsustobenakedandnotashamed–Psalm109• Prayerexpressesgladnessandjoy–Philippians1:4• Prayerallowsustodiscloseourfullemotionalstate• Prayerprovidesdirection• Prayerprovidescomfortandrelief
![Page 22: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
22
• PrayerprovidescoveringHowshouldwepray?
RecognizethatGodistheSovereignoftheUniverse.Psalm103:19says,“TheLordhasestablishedHisthroneintheheavens,andHissovereigntyrulesoverall.”OurheavenlyFatherneverceasestobetherulerandmasteroftheuniverse.RecognizethatGodisholy.WhenIsaiahsawtheLordinHisglory,hefeltunclean,eventhoughhehadlivedafaithful,righteouslife(Isa.6:1-6).ThepictureweseeofGodinthebookofRevelationissimilarinitsmajesty.Ashumans,weallfallshortofHisabsoluteholiness.WeshouldapproachHimwithreverenceandawe.Confesssin.ScriptureteachesthattheLordwon’thearourprayersifwe’reholdingontounconfessedsin(Ps.66:18).PurityofheartandthepowerofGodareconnected.Recognizeyourinadequacy.WhentheLordtellsyoutodosomething,Hehasn’tmadeamistake.Hewillnevercallyoutodosomethingthatyoucan’taccomplishthroughHispowerandstrength.Infact,GoddelightsinusingyourweaknessestoteachyouhowtorelyonHim.BeavailableforGodtouseyou.Someprayerswillneverbeansweredunlesswetakeanactiveroleintheirfulfillment.ExperiencetheHolySpirit’senablingpower.GodwantsyoutolookatyourselfasHedoes—assomeonewithpotential.InthepoweroftheSpirit,youhavetheabilitytodowhateverHeasks.AcquireGod’svisionanddirection.What’sonyourheart?SurrendereverydreamorgoaltotheheavenlyFather,andwatchwhatHewilldoinandthroughyou.
BARRIERSTOPRAYER
SinAsChristians,wemusttakealookatknownsininourlives.SincorruptsandseparatesusfromGod.Wemustbegintocallitwhatitis“SIN”,notissues,notproblemsetc....Isaiah59:2ButyouriniquitieshaveseparatedyoufromyourGod;yoursinshavehiddenHisfacefromyousothatHewillnothear.2Chronicles7:14Ifmypeople,whicharecalledbymyname,willhumblethemselvesandprayandseekmyfaceandturnfromtheirwickedways,thenwillIhearfromheaven,andIwillforgivetheirsin,andwillhealtheirland.
![Page 23: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
23
LackofFaithJesusisallpowerful,butwecanlimithispowerbyourlackofexpectation,byourwimpyfaith!Hisworkishidden,sometimesevendenied,tothosewhorefusetobelieveinJesus’power.Solet’sbeapeoplewhonotonlypray,butpraywithfaithandexpectation,anticipatingJesus’mightywork.Hebrews11:6AndwithoutfaithitisimpossibletopleaseGod,becauseanyonewhocomestohimmustbelievethatheexistsandthatherewardsthosewhoearnestlyseekhim.Matthew21:21-22Jesusreplied,“TrulyItellyou,ifyouhavefaithanddonotdoubt,notonlycanyoudowhatwasdonetothefigtree,butalsoyoucansaytothismountain,‘Go,throwyourselfintothesea,’anditwillbedone.Ifyoubelieve,youwillreceivewhateveryouaskforinprayer.”Mark11:23-24“TrulyItellyou,ifanyonesaystothismountain,‘Gothrowyourselfintothesea,’anddoesnotdoubtintheirheartbutbelievesthatwhattheysaywillhappen,itwillbedoneforthem.Therefore,Itellyou,whateveryouaskforinprayer,believethatyouhavereceivedit,anditwillbeyours.OutsideTheWillOfGodAgainandagainintheBiblethetruthisemphasizedthatprayermustbeaccordingtoGod'swill.PrayerisnotameansforustopersuadeareluctantGodtodosomethingwhichisagainstHisbetterjudgment.Prayer,ratheriscomingtoGodforthefulfillmentofHiswill,comingtoaGodwhodelightstoanswerprayer.PrayinginthewillofGodmeansthattheprayermustbeinharmonywithwhatGodhasrevealedtobeHisplanfortheworld.OurpetitionsmustbeinharmonywithGod'sholyandrighteouscharacter.WhatwedesirefromGodmustbetothebestinterestofourselvesandothers,eventhoughwemaynotalwaysknowwhatisultimatelybest.IfweprayinthewillofGod,wecanbesurethatGodwillanswer.TheApostleJohnwrote,"ThisistheconfidencewehaveinapproachingGod:thatifweaskanythingaccordingtohiswill,hehearsus.Andifweknowthathehearsus—whateverweask—weknowthatwehavewhatweaskedofhim"(1John5:14-15).Thesearegreatpromises.InprayerwecanapproachGodwithcompleteassuranceofHisabilitytoanswerus.Thereisnolimittowhatwecanask,ifitisaccordingtoHiswill.
![Page 24: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
24
JohngoesontosaythatthereareprayerrequeststhatGodcannotanswerbecausetheyarenotaccordingtoHiswillandnotforourbestinterest(1John5:16).Jamesexpressedit,"Whenyouask,youdonotreceive,becauseyouaskwithwrongmotives,thatyoumayspendwhatyougetonyourpleasures"(James4:3).SelfishprayerswillnotbehonoredbyGod.PrayerisGod'sappointedmeanstoreceivewhatisbestforusandothersandtorealizewhatPaulcalled"whatGod'swillis—hisgood,pleasingandperfectwill"(Rom.12:2b).ButwhatinfinitepowerandpossibilitiesthereareinprayerthatisaccordingtothewillofGod.(StudybyJohnF.Walfoord)ConsequencesofaPrayer-lessLifeWhenabelieverdoesnotpray,itputshim/herindirectconflictwiththewordofGod.ThereareconsequenceswhenwelivelifeonourownwithoutdirectionfromtheFather.Someofthoseconsequencesarelistedbelow:
• BrokenFellowship• Double-Mindedness–James1:5-8• NoDirection• LackofConfidenceThatGodWillHearUs
Conclusion
AsachildofGod,youhavetheawesomeprivilegeoffallingonyourkneesandtalkingtotheRuleroftheuniverse.Don’ttakethispreciousgiftforgranted.Humblyapproachthethroneofgracewithyourneeds,confessyourwrongdoing,andadmitthatlife’schallengesaretoomuchforyoutohandle.TheFatherwillrevealHisplansandequipyoutosucceed.
• PrayerisnotovercomingGod’sreluctance,butlayingholdofGod’severpresentwillingness.
• Prayerisnotforemergencyuseonly,whenwegetinapinchandneedsomeonetobailusout.
• Prayerisnotan“Aladdin’sLamp”oratriptothewishingwellforourwants.• Bycontrast,prayerisameansofintimatecommunion,fellowship,and
dependenceuponGodtheFatherwhohaspromisedtoworkinandthroughusthroughHisSon,justasGodworkedthroughHim.
• Prayerisforeverydayliving,momentbymoment.• PrayerisameansofclaimingGod’spromisesandknowingandbecoming
abandonedtoGod’swill.Lesson5Questions:
1. Whatistheonethingeachoftheseprayersabovehasincommon?2. WhyIsPrayerimportanttoyou?3. Doesthebelievertakeadvantageofhis/heropportunitytopray?WhyorWhynot?
![Page 25: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
25
4. (Self-Reflection)Whatisyourprayerlifelike?
ReferenceScripturesPrayersinScripture:
TheProphet’sPrayer–TheprophetHabakkukpraysaprayerofworshipandrejoicingtotheLord.Habakkuk3:2-19
ThePrayerofEzra–EzraintercedestoGodfortheguiltandsinofthepeople.Ezra9:5-15
TheLord’sPrayerorModelPrayer–JesusteachesHisdiscipleshowtopray.Luke11:2-4
TheTaxCollector’sPrayer–Thetaxcollectorpraysformercyinaprayerofrepentance.Luke18:13
Hezekiah’sPrayer–Onhisdeathbed,HezekiahcriesoutinPrayerandGodExtendshislife.Isaiah38:2-8
ThePrayerofJabez–JabezpraysforGodtoblesshim.1Chronicles4:10
Daniel’sPrayer–DanielpleadsfortheLord’smercyinpetitionandfastingforthecaptiveJews.Daniel9:4-19
David’sPrayer–AfterGodmakesaCovenantPromisetoDavid,hepraysthisPrayerofThanks.2Samuel7:18-29
PriestlyPrayerofJesus–ChristIntercessoryPrayer.John17
TypesofPrayersPrayerofAdoration–WepraisethegreatnessofGodandweacknowledgeourdependenceonHimforallthings.
PrayerofThanksgiving–ThanksgivingshouldbearegularpartofourtalkingtoGod.GivingGodthethanksHedeserves.
PrayerofPetition–WeaskGodforthingsweneed,primarilyspiritual,butphysicalonesaswell.WebringourrequestsbeforeGodforourselves,ourfamilyorourfriends.
![Page 26: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
26
OurprayerofpetitionshouldalwaysincludeastatementofourwillingnesstoacceptGod’swill.
PrayerofIntercession–Tointercedemeanstopleadonbehalfofanotherperson,governmentandchurchleaders.SupplicationInPrayer–HowwemakeourrequestknowntoGodisimportant.WecannottalktoGodanykindofwayandexpecttogetananswer.Wemustbehumble.
1Timothy2:1-6"Iexhorttherefore,that,firstofall,supplications,prayers,
intercessions,andgivingofthanks,bemadeforallmen;Forkings,andforallthatareinauthority;thatwemayleadaquietandpeaceablelifeinallgodlinessandhonesty.ForthisisgoodandacceptableinthesightofGodourSavior;Whowillhaveallmentobesaved,andtocomeuntotheknowledgeofthetruth.ForthereisoneGod,andonemediatorbetweenGodandmen,themanChristJesus;Whogavehimselfaransomfor
all,tobetestifiedinduetime."(KJV)
SpiritualWarfarePrayer–Thecombatperformedinthespiritagainstevil,darkforcestoovercomeSatan’sattacks,liesanddeceptionthroughthereadingofGod’swordandPrayer.Ephesians6:10-20
Clearly,prayerisanareawherebelieversexperiencespiritualwarfare.Ourspiritualenemyisfullyawareofthepowerandpromisesavailabletousinprayer.Heknowsthateverymajorspiritualrevivalbeganwithprayer.Heknowsweareallcalledtobe“prayingmenaces”tohiscause.Therefore,hefightsusfromeveryangletokeepusfromprayingeffectively.ThedevillauncheshisweaponsofmassdistractiontokeepustoopreoccupiedwithotherthingstotaketimetoreallyconnectwithGod.Hebombardsuswithhisfierydartsofdoubttokeepusfrom
prayinginfaithtotheOnewhois“arewarderofthosewhodiligentlyseekHim”(Hebrews11:6).Ourenemyseekstodiscourageusateveryturnbecauseheisthreatenedbybelieversand
congregationsthattakeprayerseriouslyandpursueChristpassionately.TransformingPrayerbyDanielHenderson
![Page 27: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
27
Lesson6:EveryChristianaProclaimer&HowtoWriteyourTestimony
ThereisadoctrineintheUnitedStatesMarineCorpsthatisknownas"TheRifleman'sCreed".ItstatesthateveryenlistedMarine,regardlessoftheirmilitaryspecialization(MOS),istrainedfirstandforemosttobearifleman.AndeveryMarineofficer,regardlessofMOS,istrainedasanInfantryPlatoonCommander.Thisdoctrineisinplacesothatnomatterwhathappensincombat,everyMarineandofficerispreparedtocontinuethemissiontodestroytheenemy.Thiswayifacookisinthekitchenandafirefightbreaksout,heorshecanstopcooking,grabarifleandhelptheirfellowMarinesdealwiththeadversary.TheChristianshouldhaveasimilarmentalityinlife.Weshoulduse"TheEvangelist'sCreed".ThatmeansthateveryChristian(whetheraPastor,Deacon,Elder,orLayperson)isfirstandforemostanEvangelist.Weshouldallbeabletocommunicatetheplanforsalvationtoourpeers,regardlessofourage,position,orlocationinthechurch.EvangelismisnotjustthejobofthePastor.ItisthejobofeverybornagainbelievertosharetheGospelofJesusChristwitheveryonethatweruninto.Weshouldnotonlybepreparedtowitnesstotheworld,weshoulddesiretorunintounsavedpeoplesothatwecansharethegoodnewswiththem.NoticethatIdidnotsaythatwehadtoconverteveryone.ItisultimatelyuptotheindividualwhetherornottheyacceptChrist.ButwehavetoactivelyexposethemtoJesussothatthewordofGodcanpenetrateintotheirheart.Howcanwemakesurethatwearepreparedtodothis?Weneedtoknowthetruthforourselves.WeneedtospendtimewithGodourselves.Andweneedtowantthepersontoreceivesalvation.EvangelismDefined:
EvangelismisjoyfullysharingthegoodnewsofthesovereignloveofGod.Itiscallingpeopletorepentance,topersonalfaithinJesusChristasSaviorandLord,toactivemembershipinthechurch,tobeingadiscipleandtoobedientserviceintheworldbyreachingothers.
WhyEvangelize?
• ItwasthelastcommandthatJesusgaveus.Beforeascendingtoheaven,JesusgaveusthiscommandfoundinMark16:15,"...Gointoalltheworld,andpreachthegospeltoallcreation."
• Thereisarealhelltoshunandaheaventogain.InRevelation20:15itsays,"Andwhosoeverwasnotfoundwritteninthebookoflifewascastintothelakeoffire."
• Lifeisbutavapor.Thislifewearelivingisnotevenadropinthebucketcomparedtoeternity.AsChristiansweneedtohelppeoplebecomeawareofthis.Everyoneneedstodecideonthissideofeternityhowtheyaregoingtospendeternity.AccordingtotheBiblethereareonlytwochoices,heavenorhell.Why,youdonotevenknowwhatwill
![Page 28: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
28
happentomorrow.Whatisyourlife?Youareamistthatappearsforalittlewhileandthenvanishes.James4:14
• Godhaspromisedusanabundantlifehereonthisearth.Thethiefcomesonlytostealandkillanddestroy;Ihavecomethattheymayhavelife,andhaveittothefull.John10:10.Despiteallappearances,peoplewhodonothavearelationshipwithGodthroughJesusdonothavetruepeaceorjoy.SubmittingtotheLordshipofChrististhemostfulfillingthingapersoncando.
TheAgriculturalImageryofEvangelismin1Corinthians3:5-8WhothenisPaul,andwhoisApollos,butministersthroughwhomyoubelieved,astheLordgavetoeachone?Iplanted,Apolloswatered,butGodgavetheincrease.Sothenneitherhewhoplantsisanything,norhewhowaters,butGodwhogivestheincrease.Nowhewho
plantsandhewhowatersareone,andeachonewillreceivehisownrewardaccordingtohisownlabor.ICor.3:5-8
1. PreparetheSoil.
Wearenotlivinginaresult-orientedsociety.Wearelivinginaninstantresult-orientedsociety.Nearlyeverystorecarriesinstantcoffee,instantoatmeal,instamaticcameras,andinstantbreakfasts.Weuseinstantmessenger,drive-upwindows,automatictellermachines,creditcards,andfaxmachines.Ifwehavetowaitmorethanfiveminutes,it’sconsideredatravestyofjustice!However,inthespiritualrealmpatienceisapartofGod’sprogram.Nowhereisthismoreevidentthanintheconversionofamanorwoman.Althoughconversionisthemiracleofamoment,theBibleusesagriculturalimagerytoportraythedynamicprocessofevangelism.Cropsdonotsimply“happen”—reapingaharvestistheoutcomeofalengthyseriesofeventsthatcannotbebypassedoroverlooked.Unlessthegroundisclearedandploweditwillnotbereadytoreceivetheseed.Likewise,inthespiritualrealm,beforepeoplearereadytoreceivetheseedoftheWordtheirsoulsmustbeprepared.Godoftenusestrialsandtragediestoteardownanyillusionsofautonomysopeoplecanbegintoseetheirtrueconditionofspiritualneed.Divorce,thedeathofalovedone,thelossofajob,andamajormoveallpreparesoulsforChrist.ThesetrialsandtransitionsinlifeareoftenwhatGodusestodrawpeopletoChrist.
AlthoughGodistheOnewhoultimatelydoestheworkoftransformingaperson’ssoul,HeinviteseachoneofustoparticipatewithHim.Notice,thekeywordisparticipate.InanyareaoflifeandministryweshouldunderstandthatwecontributenothingtothepurposesofGod.Hehasnolackordeficiency,andforustomakeacontributionwouldmeanthatwebringsomethingtothetablethatHedoesnotalreadypossess.However,GoddoesinviteustoparticipateinHispurposesbybeingapartofwhatHisSpiritisaccomplishinginthelivesofpeople.
![Page 29: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
29
ThereareanumberofwaysthatwecanparticipatewithGodinHisworkofpreparingthesoil.First,wecanandmustpray.Thisiswheretherealworkisfound—preparingthesoilthroughprayer.TheLordusesHisservantsineachphaseoftheprocessaspeoplewithoutChristthelostareprayed.PrayerispartandparcelofseeingindividualsbelieveinChrist.Wemustneverforgetorneglectthiscriticalstep.Whattopray:
ThreeLife-changingprayersegmentsbasedonColossians4:3-4:
Meanwhileprayingalsoforus,thatGodwouldopentousadoorfortheword,tospeakthemysteryofChrist,forwhichIamalsoinchainsthatImaymakeitmanifest,
asIoughttospeak.• “Lord,Openadoor.”• “Lord,opentheirheart.”• “Lord,openmymouth.”
Thesecondhumanelementofpreparingthesoilis:wemusthaveapresence.WemustgotosinnersifweexpectsinnerstocometotheSavior.ManyChristiansassumethatitisthejobofthepastoralstafftosavethelostwheninreality,itisthejobofthebodytogooutintotheworldandshareChristandthenbringthosethattheyhaveledtoChristtothechurchforgrowthanddiscipleship.Thismeanswemustlovelostpeopleenoughtogoafterthem.LovingthelostisthefirststepinleadingthelosttoChrist
2. SowtheSeed.
Afterpreparingthesoil,itisimperativetosowtheseed.ThisissimplyputtingtheWordbeforepeople.ItmaybeleavingagospelofJohnbookletortractatarestaurant.ItmaybegivingapersonaChristianbookthathasbeenespeciallymeaningfultoyou.Often,itissimplysharingyourpersonaltestimonyandthegospel.Isthiseasy?No,itisnot.Itcanbedownrightscary,buttherewardsofwitnessingareworththerisks.
3. CultivatetheSoil.
Cultivationisthelengthiestpartoftheagriculturalprocesssinceitinvolvesirrigation,fertilization,andweedcontrol.ThecultivationphaseisillustratedinthefactthatJesuswascalled“afriendoftaxcollectorsandsinners”(Matt11:19)andinPaul’sdesiretofindareasofcommongroundinordertowinJewsandGentilestoChrist(1Cor9:19-23).Again,ifwearetobefaithfulwitnesseswemustlearntolovelostpeople.Wemustnotseelostpeopleastrophiestobewon.Ifthisisourmindsetwewillfindourselvesquicklyandeasilydiscouraged.
Wehavelookedatthreestages:preparingthesoil,sowingtheseed,andcultivatingthesoil.Wehavelearnedthatwemustprayforlaborersandspecificlostpeople.WehavealsolearnedthatwemustspreadtheWordthroughanyavailablemeans.Wehavealso
![Page 30: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
30
beenremindedthatevangelismisaprocessthattakestime.Yetwemustbepatientandpersevereineachofthesestages,forafruitfulharvestrequiresafaithfulwitness.Wehaveconsideredthreestagesofgardening;wearenowreadytoundergothebrieffourthphase.
4. ReaptheHarvest.
Cropsgothroughthreestages:green,ripe,rotten.Harvestiseffectiveonlyatonestage.Ifweprematurelyharvestthefruitbeforeitisripe,weruntheriskofruiningthefruit.However,ifwewaittoolongtoharvestthefruititmaybetoolate.ThekeyissensitivitytotheSpiritandtimelyintervention.Manyofusneedtosimplyremovethepressureandguiltthatwefeelunder.Godexpectsforsharingourfaithwithotherstobefunandnatural.HealsowantsustoknowthatitisHiswork.Ihaveyettoconvertasinglesoul;theonlyconversionthattakesplaceisthroughtheregeneratingpoweroftheHolySpirit.Thisishelpingmetorelaxandnottakesomuchpersonalresponsibility.IfIaccepttheblamewhenapersonrejectsChrist,quitenaturally,IwouldneedtoacceptsomeofthecreditwhenapersonbelievedChrist.
Thekeyconcepttobegleanedfromthisprocessprincipleistheliberatingtruththatifweareinvolvedinanyoneofthesefourphases,wearedoingevangelism.Believerswhopreparethesoil,sowtheseed,orcultivatetheplantedsoilareasmuchapartoftheevangelisticprocessasthosewhoaregiventheprivilegeofreapingtheharvest.
Inaddition,whenwearesensitiveandresponsivetotheopportunitiesGodplacesinourpath,wewillfindourselvesparticipatingindifferentphasesoftheprocess,dependingontheindividualandthepurposesofGod.Withonepersonwemaybegivenanopportunitytoparticipateintheseed-plantingphasebysharingtruthsfromScripture.Inanothercase,wemayhaveanopportunitytowaterorfertilizethespiritualtruththathasalreadybeensown.WhileourdesireistoseeourfriendscometoChrist(theharvest),wecanbeassuredthatwhetherweareinvolvedinpreparing,sowing,watering,orreaping,wearepartofthatprocess.
Sohowdothesefourstagesofgardeningworkinaction?JesuswillshowusinJohn4.Jesus“preparedthesoil”whenHeaskedtheSamaritanwomanforadrinkofwellwater(4:7-10).Eveninspeakingtoher,Jesusovercamethreebarriers:
• First,theracialbarrier(JewshadnodealingswithSamaritans),• Second,thegenderbarrier(JewishrabbiswouldnotaddresswomenasJesus
did),• Third,thesocialbarrier(thiswomanhadapoorreputationamongherown
people).Jesussowedtheseed.Jesuskneweverythingshehaddone,andyetHegentlyandlovinglyofferedherthelivingwaterofeternallife(4:10).Jesus
![Page 31: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
31
cultivatedtheseedbygettingintimatelyinvolvedinthiswoman’spersonalcircumstancesandthenansweringhertheologicalquestions(4:16-26).
Finally,Jesusreapedtheharvest.AftertellingthiswomanthatHewastheChrist(4:26),thewomanleftHim.ThedisciplesthenapproachedJesusandurgedHimtoeat(4:31).JesusrespondedwiththesepowerfulwordsinJohn4:34-39:
“Myfood,”saidJesus,istodothewillofHimwhosentMeandtofinishHiswork.Don’tyouhaveasaying,‘It’sstillfourmonthsuntiltheharvest’?Itellyouopenyoureyesandlookatthefields!Theyareripeforharvest.Evennowtheonewhoreapsdrawsawageandharvestsacropforeternallife,sothatthesowerandthereapermaybegladtogether.Thusthesaying‘Onesowsandanotherreaps’istrue.Isent
youtoreapwhatyouhavenotworkedfor.Othershavedonethehardwork,andyouhavereapedthebenefitsoftheirlabor.”
WearetoolsinthehandofthemasterGardener.Godisusingmanyofusinremarkableways,butGodisanxiousforagreaterharvestbecausethefieldsarewhiteuntoharvest.HewantstouseyouandmetoparticipatewithHiminbringingaboutabumpercrop!
7TipsforEffectiveEvangelism
1. Knowyouraudienceandtailorthemessagetothem,don’tjustdothingsthewayyoualwaysdo.Takethegospelsasanexampleofthis,thereare4accountseachtailoredtoaspecificaudience,addressingtheneedsofeachgroup.Butthemessageremainsconsistent(i.e.JesusChrististheSavioroftheWorld).
2. Beled(Acts16:6,9-10).PaulwantedtogotoAsiabuttheSpiritforbadeHim.HewasledtoMacedonia(Europe)andthat’swheretheministrywaseffective.Likewise,PhilipwasledintothedeserttotheEthiopian(Acts8),itseemedcrazytoleaveathrivingSamaritanrevivalandgointoadesertofGaza,butthat’swherehewasledandasaresultthegospeltravelleddownintoAfricawiththeEthiopian.
3. Beburdened.Accordingto1Cor.13thegiftsworkbylove.Withoutloveandaburdenforsoulswewon’treachthem.
4. PreachJesus.Besinglemindedinyourmessage.ItshouldbeJesusChristandHimcrucified.Don’tpreachyourpastor,yourchurchrules,politicsoranythingelse–focusonJesusandesp.whatHehasdonemeanstoyou.
5. Beempowered(Acts1:8).WithouttheindwellingHolySpirityoucannotbeaneffectivewitnessforChrist.
6. Beinagreement.ImagineifPeter&JohndidnotagreeattheGateBeautiful,imagineifPeterwantedtogotogetsomecash,whileJohnwantedtoprayforhim.ThanksbetoGodtheybothsaid:silverandgoldhavewenone,butsuchaswehavewefreelygive,riseupandwalkinJesusName.Makesureyouarewalkingwithpeoplewhoagreeondoctrinewhenyougoouttosharethefaith.
![Page 32: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
32
7. Havefaith(Mark16:16-18).Believethatsoulswillrespondtothecall.There’snothingworsethananunbelievingevangelist…whybother?Theexcusethat‘wetoldthemsotheycan’tsaytheydidn’thearthegospelonjudgmentday’simplyisnotgoodenough.Everyonewon’trespondpositivelytothecall,butasgoodstewardsweshouldbeoftheviewthatwithGodNOTHINGshallbeimpossible.
OtherConsiderationsonSharingyourTestimony
IfyouhavereallydrawnneartoGod,youwillbelikePeter,whosaid,"Forwecannotbutspeakofthethingswehaveseenandheard"(Acts4:20)evenwhenhewaspersecutedandthreatenedonaccountofhistestimony,andthepowerofthenameofJesusthathewasoperatingin.Themostimportantthingtotestifyof,though,isnotphysicalmiracles,aswonderfulastheyare,butthewayGodhasredeemedyoursoul-boughtyououtofthehandofthedevilforhimself.TheBiblessaysinPsalm107:2,“LettheredeemedoftheLordsayso,WhomHehasredeemedfromthehandoftheenemy".It’sawonderfulthingwhenwecanhonestlytestifythatwenowknowGodhasforgivenoursins.IfGodhasredeemedyou,thenyoushouldsayso-publicly.Andoneofthebestpublicforumstodayforthisistheinternet.
Whatifyourtestimonyisnotsogreat?
Yourtestimonydoesnothavetobesuperdramaticorunusualtobeeffective.Noteveryonecanrelatepersonallytoasensationaltestimony.Ifontheotherhandyourtestimonyisweakbecauseyoucan'tpointtoachangeinyourlife,coulditbethatyouhavenotreallyconsecratedyourlifetoGodproperly?AreyoutryingtolivingwithonefootinGod'sKingdom,andtheotherinSatan's?
TheBiblesays,"Forthisyouknow,thatnofornicator,uncleanperson,norcovetousman,whoisanidolater,hasanyinheritanceintheKingdomofChrist
andGod.Letnoonedeceiveyouwithemptywords,forbecauseofthesethingsthewrathofGodcomesuponthesonsofdisobedience."(Ephesians
5:5,6).Isyourheartstillinlovewiththispresentage,thisworldsystem?Ifso,itwouldbeagreattimetodecidetoliveforGodandtogetseriousaboutit,becausenoneofusareguaranteedatomorrow.PerhapsyourtestimonyisweakbecauseyouhavenotgivenattentiontothewonderfultruthsconcerningtheHolySpiritandovercomingSatanthatcanbefoundinGod'sWord.Ihavebeguntoexplainthesethingsonmysiteelsewhere,forexample,here.Godwantsyourtestimonytobestrong,soyoucanliveunashamedbeforeGodandmen,andgivehonorandglorytoGod.HewantsyourlifetoshowforthHispower-whatHecando.AndGodhasdoneabsolutelyamazingthingsforpeopleinallkindsoftrouble,whoweremessedupandwithoutnaturalhope.SometestimoniesofhowGodhelpedsuchpeoplecanbefoundonthissite.
![Page 33: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
33
IfGodhasworkedpowerfullyinyourlife,pleaseshareitsootherscanbenefit.ItwillremindyouofhowGodhasworkedanditwillencourageotherstobelieveinGod.ItmaybethemeansbywhichanotherpreciouspersoncomestoasavingknowledgeoftheLordJesus.Sodoit.Begintowritedownyourstory.
HowtoOrganizeyourTestimonyIfyoureadActs26:1-29andActs22:1-21youwillseetwoexamplesofhowtheapostlePaulgavehistestimonyinthemidstofgreatpressure,wherehisdestinyhunginthebalance.Paultalkedabouthisearlylife,beforemeetingChrist-boththegoodandthebadpoints.ThenhetalkedabouthowChristrevealedHimselftohimandhisresponse.InActs26(wherehewasnotinterrupted)heisabletospendmoretimetalkingabouthislifesincehisconversion.It’sgoodtodevoteabout40%to"BeforeChrist",about20%totheconversionexperience,andabout40%to"AfterChrist."PeoplewanttoknowwhatkindofadifferenceChristmadeinyourlife.Behonestandauthentic.Don'ttrytomakeitlookbetterthanitis,ortomakeyourpastsoundworsethanitreallywas.Godwillblessatestimonythatistruthful.Peopleareusuallyprettygoodandspottingphonythings.
Herearesomeideastogetyouthinkingaboutwritingyourtestimony.A. BeforeIreceivedChrist,Ilivedandthoughtthisway:
a. Whatdidmyliferevolvearound?b. Whatissuesorthingswereimportanttome?c. WhatdidIthinkofGod?OfJesus?d. OnwhatdidIrelyforsecurityandhappiness?
B. HowIreceivedChrist:Painta"wordpicture"ofthesituation.
a. Wherewereyou?Aloneinyourroom?Driving?Home?b. Whatfeelingsdidyoustrugglewith?c. Whatthoughtswentthroughyourmind?d. HowdidyouyieldyourlifetoChrist?
C. AfterIreceivedChrist,thesechangestookplace:
a. Didyoustrugglewithyourfaith?b. HowdidGodanswerprayer,orstrengthenyouindifficultsituations?c. Howareyoudifferentthanyouwerebefore?d. Howhavethechangesinyourlifeinfluencedothersaroundyou?
Do'sandDon'tsofstrongpersonaltestimony
DO’s
![Page 34: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
34
• AsktheLordtogiveyouwisdomandguidanceasyouwrite(James1:5-6)Followthethree-partoutlineshownabove(A.YourlifebeforeChrist,B.HowYoucametoknowHim,andC.Howthingsarenow).
• Emphasizethefinalpoint(howthingsarenow)ifyoubecameaChristianasasmallchild.
• Beginwithaninteresting,attention-gettingsentenceandclosewithastrongconclusion.Makesureyoutieeverythingtogether.Includerelevant,thought-provokingsecularfactsandexperiences.
• Writeinsuchawaythatotherswillfeelassociatedwithyouinpastandpresentexperiences.Talkaboutthingsotherscanrelateto.
• Giveenoughdetailstoarouseinterest.• Useatleastone,butatthemosttwo,Scriptureverses.• Editcarefullyandrewriteasoftenasnecessary.Havesomeoneelselookitover,
andwelcometheircomments,evenifsomeofthosearecritical.Itmaybedifficulttoacceptcriticism,butseekingsincerefeedbackisasignofwisdom.
DON’TDO’s
• Don'tuseChristian"jargon."Avoidthefollowingwords,whichdonotcommunicatetruthtotheaveragenon-Christian.Thoughthesewordsandphrasesareprecioustous,theyareoftenmisunderstoodandconsequentlyridiculedbynon-Christians:saved,convicted,converted,bornagain,sin,repentance.
• Don'tbetoowordy,beataroundthebush,oremphasizehowbadyouusedtobe.Peoplefeeluncomfortableifyoudwellonit.
• Don'tspeakinglitteringgeneralitiesorsuperlatives.• Avoidwordslike"wonderful,""glorious."• Don'tmentionchurchdenominations,especiallyinanegativeway.Neverspeak
criticallyornegativelyaboutanyotherindividualorgroup.• Don'tgivetheimpressionthattheChristianlifeisa"bedofroses."• Don'tpreachtopeople.Makeitatestimony,nota"preachimony.
Lesson6Questions:
1. DoIseemyselfasGod’s“servant,”calledtoproclaimJesusChrist?Whyorwhynot?IsmyfirstprioritytoGodortoothers(e.g.,myspouse,mychildren,myemployer)?HowcanIpreachChristinadversecircumstances?Whatismyresponsibilityinthemidstofthesesituations?
2. OverthecourseofmyChristianlife,haveIseensharingChristasaprocessoranevent?IfIhaveseenitasanevent,whatcanIdotocorrectmyfaultythinking?WhatstruggleshaveIexperiencedinsharingmyfaiththatstemfromperceivingsharingChristasanevent?
![Page 35: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
35
3. DoIseethehumanharvestofsoulsas“white?”Ifso,willIchangemyattitudeandperspectivethisweeksoIbecomemoreoptimisticandHolySpiritdependent?
![Page 36: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
36
Lesson7:TheChristianLife
1Peter1:13-16Therefore,withmindsthatarealertandfullysober,setyourhopeonthegracetobebroughttoyouwhenJesusChristrevealedatthiscoming.Asobedientchildren,donotconformtotheevildesiresyouhadwhenyoulivedinignorance.Butjustashewhocalledyouisholy,sobeholyinallyoudo;foritiswritten:“Beholy,becauseIamholy.” Whenwedeclare inourCreedthatweareamodelofholy living,wearemakingaveryboldstatement.Amodelisastandardorexampleforimitationorcomparison.Inthiscase,weareclaimingthatifpeoplelookatustheywillbeabletoseewhatitmeanstoliveholy.ItisthesamestatementthatPaulmakesin1Corinthians11:1:Followmyexample,asIfollowtheexampleofChrist.Areyoureallyreadyforpeopletosaytoyou:“Iwanttolivemylifeexactlylikeyouliveyours.Iamgoingtowatchhowyouliveandlivethesameway.”Wearetobemodelsofholyliving.HolinessmeanstobesetasideforGod’sspecialuse,andsetapartfromsinanditsinfluence.Wearetobesetapartanddifferent,notblendinginwiththecrowd,yetnotbeingdifferentforthesakeofbeingdifferent.WhatmakeusdifferentareGodqualitiesinourlives.InMark10,thedisciplesarearguingoverwhoisthegreatest.Jesusgetsstraighttothepointwiththemwhenhesays:YouknowthatthosewhoareregardedasrulersoftheGentileslorditoverthem,andtheirhighofficialsexerciseauthorityoverthem.Notsowith you. Instead, whoever want to become great among youmust be your servant, andwhoeverwantstobefirstmustbeslaveofall.(Mark10:42-44,emphasisadded).“Notsowithyou”Jesustellsthem.Wearetobedifferent.Finally,wearetobemodelsofholyliving.Theemphasisonthispartofourcreedisonhowweliveoutwhatwesaywebelieve.Infact,wecannotclaimthatJesusisourLordunlesswearelivingoutwhatHesays:Whydoyoucallme,‘Lord,Lord’anddonotdowhatIsay?(Luke6:46)Being“amodelofholyliving”bringsustoconsiderwhatitmeanstoliveaChristianlifestyle.WhatdoesitmeantobeaChristian?
Inourculture,ithasbecomemerelyalabelthatsayswearepartofaparticularreligionthatdistinguishesusfromaJew,Muslim,Buddhistorsomeotherfaithperspective.Theterm“Christian”meansliterally“littleChrist”.Howdidthetermcomeintobeing?
Acts11tellsusthatthediscipleswerefirstcalledChristiansinAntioch.WhatpromptedthisdesignationtobegiventothefollowersofJesusChristforthefirsttime?
Acts11:19-26NowthosewhohadbeenscatteredbythepersecutionthatbrokeoutwhenStephenwaskilledtraveledasfarasPhoenicia,CyprusandAntioch,spreadingthewordonlyamongJews. Someof them,however,menfromCyprusandCyrene,wenttoAntiochandbegantospeaktoGreeksalso,tellingthemthegoodnewsabout
![Page 37: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
37
theLordJesus.TheLord’shandwaswiththem,andagreatnumberofpeoplebelievedandturnedtotheLord.NewsofthisreachedthechurchinJerusalem,andtheysentBarnabastoAntioch.WhenhearrivedandsawwhatthegraceofGodhaddone,hewasgladandencouragedthemalltoremaintruetotheLordwithalltheirhearts.Hewasagoodman,fulloftheHolySpiritandfaith,andagreatnumberofpeoplewerebroughttotheLord.ThenBarnabaswenttoTarsustolookforSaul,andwhenhefoundhim,hebroughthimtoAntioch.SoforawholeyearBarnabasandSaulmetwiththechurchandtaughtgreatnumbersofpeople.ThediscipleswerecalledChristiansfirstatAntioch.
One of the distinguishing characteristics of the disciples who first earned the name“Christian”wasthat theyrefusedtobeheldcaptivebytheculturalnormsof theday.JewswerenotsupposedtohaveanythingtodowithGentiles,orGreeksastheyarecalledinthispassage.SointentweretheseJewishChristiansontellingthegoodnewsofChrist,thattheytooktheriskoftellingthemessagetotheGentiles.Godblessedtheireffortsandagreatnumberofpeoplebelieved.ThefactthatJewsandGreekswerespendingtimetogethertolearnaboutJesusgottheattentionofthosearoundthem.WhatcouldpossiblymaketheseJewsandGentilesgetalong?ItmustbethattheyarefollowersofChrist,or“littleChrists”. Theproofpositiveofbeinga“Christian”whenthewordfirstappears in Scripture iswhen people are brought together in the name of Christwhonormallywouldnotassociatewithoneanotherintheirculture.Theyareabletocometogether because of their common experience of believing and proclaiming the goodnewsofthegospelofJesusChrist.
AnotherglimpseintothelifeofthechurchatAntiochisgivenbyPaulinGalatians:
Galatians2:11-14WhenCephascametoAntioch,Iopposedhimtohisface,becausehewasstoodcondemned.ForbeforecertainmencamefromJames,heusedtoeatwiththeGentiles.Butwhentheyarrived,hebegantodrawbackandseparatehimselffromtheGentilesbecausehewasafraidofthosewhobelongedtothecircumcisiongroup.TheotherJewsjoinedhiminhishypocrisy,sothatbytheirhypocrisyevenBarnabaswasledastray.WhenIsawthattheywerenotactinginlinewiththetruthofthegospel,IsaidtoCephasinfrontofthemall,“YouareaJew,yetyoulivelikeaGentileandnotlikeaJew.Howisit,then,thatyouforceGentilestofollowJewishcustoms?
PaulsaysthatheconfrontedPeterbecause“hewasclearlyinthewrong”andwasnot“actinginlinewiththetruthofthegospel”.WhatwasitthatcausedPaultogivethemsuchastrongrebuke?“HebegantodrawbackandseparatehimselffromtheGentilesbecausehewasafraidofthosewhobelongedtothecircumcisiongroup.”PetergaveintothepressuretoconformtothereligiousmandatesnottoassociatewithGentiles.Once
![Page 38: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
38
again,weseeacleartestimonythattheessenceofbeingaChristianistobesocommittedtofollowingChristthatitdestroysallmanmadebarriers.
BeingaChristianmeansthatweignoreallmanmadebarriersinordertoproclaimthegospelofJesusChristthroughourwordsandourlifestyles.
TheMajorIssuesoftheChristianLifestyle
IfbeingaChristianmeansproclaimingthegospelofJesusChristthroughourwordsandlifestyles,thenwehadbetterbaseitonthethingsthatJesusdidandtaught.WhataresomeofthemajorissuesintheteachingandlifeofChrist?ForthisweshouldlookatthosethingsJesusemphasized.
1. ChristianlifestyleisalifelivedbythepoweroftheHolySpirit.FromthebeginningoftheearthlyministryofJesustheHolySpiritwasinvolved.Luke3:21-22Whenallthepeoplewerebeingbaptized,Jesuswasbaptizedtoo.Andashewaspraying,heavenwasopenedandtheHolySpiritdescendedonhiminbodilyformlikeadove.Andavoicecamefromheaven:“YouaremySon,whomIlove;withyouIamwellpleased.”Ofcourse,thiseventdoesnotmeanthattheHolySpirithadnevercomeuponJesusbefore,sinceJesuswasconceivedbytheHolySpirit,andtheHolySpiritwaswithhimevenwhilehewasinhismother’swomb.ButtheHolySpiritlightedonJesusinavisible,bodilyformasademonstrationtotheonlookersthathisministrywastobeempoweredbytheHolySpirit.When Jesus was getting ready to be crucified, he comforted his disciples byassuringthem:AndIwillasktheFatherandhewillgiveyouanotheradvocatetohelpyouandbewithyouforever–theSpiritoftruth.Theworldcannotaccepthim,becauseitneitherseeshimnorknowshim.Butyouknowhim,forheliveswithyouandwillbeinyou.Iwillnotleaveyouasorphans;Iwillcometoyou.(John14:16-18)SocloselyistheHolySpiritidentifiedwithChristinthispassagethatJesussaysIamleaving,yetIamalsocomingtoyouinthepersonoftheHolySpirit.TheHolySpiritwillliveinyou,whichisthesameasJesuslivinginyou.AfterHisdeathandresurrection, JesusappearedtothedisciplesandpromisedthempowerwhentheHolySpiritcomesasrecordedinthebookofActs:Butyouwill receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be mywitnesses in Jerusalem,and inall JudeaandSamaria,and to theendsof theearth.”(Acts1:8,emphasisadded)AftertheHolySpiritcameaspromisedinActs2,thedisciplesbegantothedeathandresurrectionofJesus.InActs3,Peterand
![Page 39: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
39
Johnhealthelamebeggar,andafterwardtheytaketheopportunitytodeliveramessageinthepoweroftheHolySpiritthatsaid:ByfaithinthenameofJesus,thismanwhomyouseeandknowwasmadestrong.ItisJesus’nameandthefaiththatcomesthroughhimthatcompletelyhealedhim,asyoucanall see.(Acts3:16)HavingbeenwarnedpreviouslynottotestifyanymoreaboutJesus,they were arrested and thrown in jail. The next day they appear before theSanhedrin,andonceagaintestifyabouttheLordJesus.InActs4,wereadtheserevealingwords:Whenthey[theSanhedrin]sawthecourageofPeterandJohnandrealizedthattheywereunschooled,ordinarymen,theywereastonishedandtheytooknotethatthesemenhadbeenwithJesus.”(Acts4:13,emphasisadded)Theearlydisciplesbasedalltheirteaching,andalltheiractions,sofullyontheteachingsandlifestyleofJesus,thateveryonetooknotethattheyhadbeenwithJesus. Thustheterm“littleChrists”wasappliedtothem.Inthebeginningitwasnotmeanttobeacompliment,butratheraninsult.TobeaChristianwastobeonewhotaught,livedanddidthethingsthatJesusChristdidinthepoweroftheHolySpirit.
2. Christianlifestyleisalifeoflove.JesusgivesusaclearstatementofhowHereadallofScripture:Matthew22:35-40Oneofthem,anexpertinthelaw,testedhim[Jesus]withthisquestion: “Teacher,which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesusreplied:“’LovetheLordyourGodwithallyourheartandwithallyoursoulandwithallyourmind.’Thisisthefirstandgreatestcommandment.Andthesecondislikeit:‘Loveyourneighborasyourself.’AlltheLawandtheProphetshangonthesetwocommandments.”IfwearegoingtopresumetoteachwhatJesustaughtandliveasJesuslived,ourprimarymotivationhastobeloveforGodandloveforothers.Furthermore,Jesustellsusexactlywhatthislovewilllooklike.
InthebookofLuke,afterJesushadsaidasimilarthingtoanotherexpertintheLaw,thismanaskedJesusafollowupquestion:Andwhoismyneighbor?(Luke10:29) It is at this point that Jesus tells the well-known story of the GoodSamaritan.Jesusillustratesthroughthisstory,thatsurelymusthaveshockedHisJewishlisteners,thattrueloveforourfellowmanwillnotstopatculturaltaboos,athemewehavealreadynoticed.Youmustloveyourneighbor,especiallythosewhomourculturemaytellusareunlovable.
![Page 40: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
40
Powerfulmovementshavebegunbythosewhoembracedthisradicalconceptofloving even those who we would not normally love as part of their Christianlifestyle.ConsiderFrederickDouglass:
Iwasnotmorethanthirteenyearsold,whenIfelttheneedofGod,asafatherandprotector.MyreligiousnaturewasawakenedbythepreachingofawhiteMethodistminister,namedHanson.Hethoughtthatallmen,greatandsmall,bondandfree,weresinnersinthesightofGod;thattheywere,bynature,rebelsagainstHisgovernment;andthattheymustrepentoftheirsins,andbereconciledtoGod,throughChrist…Iwas,forweeks,apoor,brokenheartedmourner,travelingthroughthedarknessandmiseryofdoubtsandfears.Ifinallyfoundthatchangeofheartwhichcomesby"castingallone'scare"uponGod,andbyhavingfaithinJesusChrist,astheRedeemer,Friend,andSaviorofthosewhodiligentlyseekHim.Afterthis,Isawtheworldinanewlight.Iseemedtoliveinanewworld,surroundedbynewobjects,andtobeanimatedbynewhopesanddesires.Ilovedallmankind--slaveholdersnotexcepted;thoughIabhorredslaverymorethanever.Mygreatconcernwas,now,tohavetheworldconverted.1
3. Christianlifestylewillbeauthenticatedbyservicetothepoorandoppressed.
AtthekickoffofHisearthlyministryasrecordedinLuke,thisiswhatweread:Luke4:16-21He[Jesus]wenttoNazareth,wherehehadbeenbroughtup, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was hiscustom.Hestooduptoread,andthescrolloftheprophetIsaiahwashandedtohim.Unrollingit,hefoundtheplacewhereitiswritten:“TheSpiritoftheLordisonme,becausehehasanointedmetoproclaimgoodnewstothepoor.Hehassentmetoproclaimfreedomfortheprisonersandrecoveryofsightfortheblind,tosettheoppressedfree,toproclaimtheyearoftheLord’sfavor.”Thenherolledupthescroll,gaveitbacktothe attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagoguewerefastenedonhim.Hebeganbysayingtothem,“Todaythisscriptureisfulfilledinyourhearing.”
Ministry to the poor and oppressed should be at the center of our Christianlifestyle.JesussaidthathecametofulfillthisparticularscripturefromIsaiah.Wesometimesrelegateservicetothepoorintoaspecialcategorycalled“missions”.JesusissayingthatitshouldbeatthecenterofallthatwedoifwearegoingtocallourselvesChristian.
1Douglass,Frederick.MyBondageandMyFreedom.
![Page 41: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
41
FromtheearliestdaysoftheChurchthishasbeenunderstoodbythosewhocalledthemselvesChristian.InGalatians,PaulrecountstheincidentwhenhewenttoJerusalemtoprivatelyputbefore the leadersof theChurch thecontentof thegospelthathehadbeenproclaimingamongtheGentiles“Iwasnotrunningorhadnotbeenrunningmyraceinvain”.Hereceivedtheendorsementfromtheleadersatthe“homechurch”ofhisministry:TheyagreedthatweshouldgototheGentiles,andthey to thecircumcised [Jews]. All theyaskedwas thatweshould continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.(Galatians2:9b-10)
SaintAugustine(354-430AD),BishopofNorthAfrica,hadapracticeofendinghissermonswiththewords:Givetothepoor. Augustinedaredtodreamofatimewhentherewouldbenopoor:Yougivebreadtoahungryperson;butitwouldbebetterwerenoonehungry,andyoucouldgiveittonoone.Youclothethenakedperson.Wouldthatallwereclothedandthisnecessitydidnotexist.2
ThoseofuswhoareProtestantsarepartofamovementthatholdsadeepbeliefintheimpetusofourfaithinmeetingtheneedsofothers. MartinLuthersaid:Faithisaliving,unshakeableconfidenceinGod'sgrace…Throughfaith,apersonwill do good to everyonewithout coercion,willingly and happily; hewill serveeveryone,suffereverythingfor the loveandpraiseofGod,whohasshownhimsuchgrace.Itisasimpossibletoseparateworksfromfaithasburningandshiningfromfire.3
In 1540, city officials inGeneva, Switzerland invited JohnCalvin to that city toenactreforms.AssoonashearrivedhesetaboutrevolutionizingGenevasociety.His most important innovation was the incorporation of the church into citygovernment.HedevelopedaDeaconministrymodeledonActs6tocareforthesick,theelderly,thewidowedandthepoor.4Calvintookgreatcaretoprovideforthepoor,becausehebelievedthatalltheChurchpossessesrightfullybelongstothe poor, and consequently how those resources are handled is of utmostseriousness:
Youwillfrequentlyfindbothinthedecreesofsynodsandinancientwritersthat all that the church possesses, either in lands or in money, is thepatrimony5ofthepoor.Andsothissongisoftensungtheretobishopsand
2Augustine.Tractate1John8,8.3Luther,Martin.PrefacetotheLetterofSt.PaultotheRomans,1545.4Hooker,Richard.DiscoveryandReformation.http://www.wsu.edu/%7Edee/REFORM/CALVIN.HTM..5“Patrimony”isaninheritancefromone’sfather.
![Page 42: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
42
deacons,thattheyshouldrememberthattheyarenothandlingtheirowngoodsbutthoseappointedfortheneedofthepoor;andifinbadfaiththeysuppressorwastethem,theyshallbeguiltyofblood.Accordingly,theyareadmonishedtodistributethesegoodstowhomtheyareowed,with thegreatestaweandreverence,asifinGod’spresence,withoutpartiality.6
4. ChristianLifestyleismostfullyarticulatedintheSermonontheMount.
The Sermon on the Mount was Jesus’ first teaching recorded in the book ofMatthew,and it is the longest teaching recordedby Jesus. Matthewgives thesettingtotheSermonontheMount:Nowwhenhe[Jesus]sawthecrowds,hewentuponamountainsideandsatdown. Hisdisciplescametohim,andhebegan to teach them, saying… (Matthew 5:1-2, NIV) Just at the time Jesus’popularity was growing, he called aside his disciples to give them this specialteaching.ItwasasifJesuswassaying:WhatIamabouttosayisjustforyou,anditistosetyouapartfromallofthismultitudethatisbeginningtocometome.Herein Jesus giveshis first disciples – and consequently tous, hismoderndaydisciples–theessenceofwhatitmeanstobeaChristianthatwilldistinguishusfromtherestoftheworld.
• Christianshaveadifferentunderstandingofwhatisblessedthantherestoftheworld. (5:3-10) TheChristianseestheblessedasthosewhoarepoor, who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst forrighteousness, the merciful, the peacemakers, and those who arepersecuted. These are the opposite of the qualities valued by theunbelieving world. Ronald Kraybill has called this The Upside DownKingdom.
• Christiansrejoicewhentheyarepersecuted,asopposedtotakingrevengewhentheyarepersecuted.(5:11-12)
• Christiansseethemselvesasthesalvationoftheworld,astheyserveassalt and the light of the world to lead others to God. (5:13-16) Thus,Christiansactivelyprayforandworkforthesalvationoftheworld.ThismeansthatnopartofthelivesweliveinthisworldisoutsidetheinfluenceofChrist,butwearetobringChristintoeverythingwedo.
• ChristiansconformthemselvestotheLawofGodbecauseJesuscametofulfilltheLaw.(5:17-20)
• Christiansgooutoftheirwaytokeepfromharminganother,andindeedseektobereconcilers.(5:21-26)
• Christians do not commit adultery, neither by committing a sexual actoutsideofmarriage,orevenlookinglustfullyatanotherpersonnottheirspouse.(5:27-30)
6Calvin,John.InstitutesoftheChristianReligion,Book4,Chapter4,section6.
![Page 43: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
43
• Christiansdonotcondonedivorceliketheworld.(5:31-32)• Christiansarepeopleoftheirword.(5:33-37)• Christiansdonottakerevenge,butturntheothercheek.(5:38-42)• Christianslovethosewhoaretheirenemiesandprayforthem.(5:43-48)• ChristiansgivetotheneedyinsecretasanactofworshipofGod.(6:1-4)• Christiansarepeopleofprayerandfasting.(6:5-18)• Christians have a different view of worldly wealth, as they are mainly
concernedwithtreasuresinheaven.Theykeepahealthyskepticismaboutthewealthoftheworldsoasnottogetcaughtupservingtwomasters.(6:19-24)
• Christiansdonotworry,becausetheytrustthatGodwilltakecareoftheirneeds.(6:25-34)
• Christiansdonotjudgeothers,andtheylookatthemselvesfirstwhentheywanttocriticizesomeone.(7:1-6)
• Christiansarepeopleoffaithwhoarenotafraidtoask,seekandknock,because they know theyhave a loving Fatherwho is listening to them.(7:7-12)
• Christiansdonotwonderwhythemultitudesarenotfollowingbecausetheyknowthatthewaytolifeisnarrowandonlyarelativefewwillfindit.(7:13-14)
• ChristiansarewisewhenitcomestoteachersorthosewhocomeinthenameoftheLord,knowingthatnoteveryonewhosaysthatJesusistheirLordreallyknowshim.(7:15-23)
• Finally, Christians are thosewho not only hear thewords of Jesus butactuallypracticethem.(7:24-27)
Conclusion
Proclaimingthatwearea“modelofholyliving”isahugestatement.TheGodofIsraelandoftheChristianchurchisholy.HesetsthestandardsandexpectsustoimitatehimbyfollowingHisstandards.OurfocusandprioritiesmustbeHis.Thankfully,itisnotuptoustoliveitoutinourownpower.Jesussaidthathewouldbewithusalways,andthathewouldsendtheHolySpirittogiveushispowertobehiswitnesses.
Lesson7Questions:
1. Howwoulditmakeyoufeelifyouknewsomeonewasusingyouasamodelofholyliving?
2. Arethereareasofyourlifethatyouwouldwanttoimprovetobeabettermodelofholyliving?
3. Whatpart(s)oftheSermonontheMountdoyouthinkarethehardesttoliveout?
![Page 44: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
44
Lesson8:SpiritualGiftsDiscovery&PersonalAssessment
ABasicDefinition:Theword,SpiritualGift,comesfromtheGreekphrasechrismataorsometimesreferredtoasCharisma,andisdefinedas,"agiftofgrace."
TheSpiritualGiftsSurveyisadiscoverytoolthatprovidesyouwithapersonalizedanalysis.Notatest,butasimplequestionnairegivingyouaprofileofyourGodgivenspiritualgifts.DiscoveringandexercisingyourGod-givenspiritualgiftsallowsyoutoexperiencemaximumfulfillmentwithminimumfrustrationinyourChristianlifeandministry.SPIRITUALGIFTSSURVEY7DIRECTIONS
Thisisnotatest,sotherearenowronganswers.TheSpiritualGiftsSurveyconsistsof80statements.Someitemsreflectconcreteactions;otheritemsaredescriptivetraits;andstillothersarestatementsofbelief.
• Selecttheoneresponseyoufeelbestcharacterizesyourselfandplacethatnumberintheblankprovided.Recordyouranswerintheblankbesideeachitem.
• Donotspendtoomuchtimeonanyoneitem.Remember,itisnotatest.Usuallyyourimmediateresponseisbest.
• Pleasegiveananswerforeachitem.Donotskipanyitems.• Donotaskothershowtheyareansweringorhowtheythinkyoushouldanswer.
Workatyourownpace.
Yourresponsechoicesare:5—Highlycharacteristicofme/definitelytrueforme4—Mostofthetimethiswoulddescribeme/betrueforme3—Frequentlycharacteristicofme/trueforme–about50percentofthetime2—Occasionallycharacteristicofme/trueforme–about25percentofthetime1—Notatallcharacteristicofme/definitelyuntrueforme
1.Ihavetheabilitytoorganizeideas,resources,time,andpeopleeffectively.2.Iamwillingtostudyandprepareforthetaskofteaching.72003LifeWayChristianResources
![Page 45: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
45
3.IamabletorelatethetruthsofGodtospecificsituations.4.IhaveaGod-givenabilitytohelpothersgrowintheirfaith.5.Ipossessaspecialabilitytocommunicatethetruthofsalvation.6.Ihavetheabilitytomakecriticaldecisionswhennecessary.7.Iamsensitivetothehurtsofpeople.8.Iexperiencejoyinmeetingneedsthroughsharingpossessions.9.Ienjoystudying.10.IhavedeliveredGod’smessageofwarningandjudgment.11.Iamabletosensethetruemotivationofpersonsandmovements.12.IhaveaspecialabilitytotrustGodindifficultsituations.13.Ihaveastrongdesiretocontributetotheestablishmentofnewchurches. 14.Itakeactiontomeetphysicalandpracticalneedsratherthanmerelytalkingaboutorplanningtohelp.15.Ienjoyentertainingguestsinmyhome.16.Icanadaptmyguidancetofitthematurityofthoseworkingwithme. 17.Icandelegateandassignmeaningfulwork.18.Ihaveanabilityanddesiretoteach.19.Iamusuallyabletoanalyzeasituationcorrectly.20.Ihaveanaturaltendencytoencourageothers.21.IamwillingtotaketheinitiativeinhelpingotherChristiansgrowintheirfaith. 22.Ihaveanacuteawarenessoftheemotionsofotherpeople,suchasloneliness,pain,fear,andanger.
![Page 46: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/46.jpg)
46
23.Iamacheerfulgiver.24.Ispendtimediggingintofacts.25.IfeelthatIhaveamessagefromGodtodelivertoothers.26.Icanrecognizewhenapersonisgenuine/honest. 27.Iamapersonofvision(aclearmentalportraitofapreferablefuturegivenbyGod).Iamabletocommunicatevisioninsuchawaythatotherscommittomakingthevisionareality.28.IamwillingtoyieldtoGod’swillratherthanquestionandwaver.29.Iwouldliketobemoreactiveingettingthegospeltopeopleinotherlands.30.Itmakesmehappytodothingsforpeopleinneed.31.Iamsuccessfulingettingagrouptodoitsworkjoyfully.32.Iamabletomakestrangersfeelatease.33.Ihavetheabilitytoplanlearningapproaches.34.Icanidentifythosewhoneedencouragement.35.IhavetrainedChristianstobemoreobedientdisciplesofChrist.36.IamwillingtodowhateverittakestoseeotherscometoChrist.37.Iamattractedtopeoplewhoarehurting.38.Iamagenerousgiver.39.Iamabletodiscovernewtruths. 40.IhavespiritualinsightsfromScriptureconcerningissuesandpeoplethatcompelmetospeakout.41.IcansensewhenapersonisactinginaccordwithGod’swill.
![Page 47: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/47.jpg)
47
42.IcantrustinGodevenwhenthingslookdark.43.IcandeterminewhereGodwantsagrouptogoandhelpitgetthere.44.Ihaveastrongdesiretotakethegospeltoplaceswhereithasneverbeenheard.45.Ienjoyreachingouttonewpeopleinmychurchandcommunity.46.Iamsensitivetotheneedsofpeople.47.Ihavebeenabletomakeeffectiveandefficientplansforaccomplishingthegoalsofagroup.48.IoftenamconsultedwhenfellowChristiansarestrugglingtomakedifficultdecisions.49.IthinkabouthowIcancomfortandencourageothersinmycongregation.50.Iamabletogivespiritualdirectiontoothers.51.IamabletopresentthegospeltolostpersonsinsuchawaythattheyaccepttheLordandHissalvation.52.Ipossessanunusualcapacitytounderstandthefeelingsofthoseindistress.53.IhaveastrongsenseofstewardshipbasedontherecognitionthatGodownsallthings.54.IhavedeliveredtootherpersonsmessagesthathavecomedirectlyfromGod.55.IcansensewhenapersonisactingunderGod’sleadership.56.ItrytobeinGod’swillcontinuallyandbeavailableforHisuse.57.IfeelthatIshouldtakethegospeltopeoplewhohavedifferentbeliefsfromme.58.Ihaveanacuteawarenessofthephysicalneedsofothers.59.Iamskilledinsettingforthpositiveandprecisestepsofaction.60.Iliketomeetvisitorsatchurchandmakethemfeelwelcome.
![Page 48: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/48.jpg)
48
61.IexplainScriptureinsuchawaythatothersunderstandit.62.Icanusuallyseespiritualsolutionstoproblems.63.Iwelcomeopportunitiestohelppeoplewhoneedcomfort,consolation,encouragement,andcounseling.64.IfeelateaseinsharingChristwithnonbelievers.65.IcaninfluenceotherstoperformtotheirhighestGod-givenpotential.66.Irecognizethesignsofstressanddistressinothers.67.Idesiretogivegenerouslyandunpretentiouslytoworthwhileprojectsandministries.68.Icanorganizefactsintomeaningfulrelationships.69.GodgivesmemessagestodelivertoHispeople.70.Iamabletosensewhetherpeoplearebeinghonestwhentheytelloftheirreligiousexperiences.71.Ienjoypresentingthegospeltopersonsofotherculturesandbackgrounds.72.Ienjoydoinglittlethingsthathelppeople.73.Icangiveaclear,uncomplicatedpresentation.74.Ihavebeenabletoapplybiblicaltruthtothespecificneedsofmychurch.75.GodhasusedmetoencourageotherstoliveChrist-likelives.76.Ihavesensedtheneedtohelpotherpeoplebecomemoreeffectiveintheirministries.77.IliketotalkaboutJesustothosewhodonotknowHim.78.Ihavetheabilitytomakestrangersfeelcomfortableinmyhome.
![Page 49: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/49.jpg)
49
79.Ihaveawiderangeofstudyresourcesandknowhowtosecureinformation. 80.IfeelassuredthatasituationwillchangeforthegloryofGodevenwhenthesituationseemimpossible.
SCORINGYOURSURVEY Followthesedirectionstofigureyourscoreforeachspiritualgift.
1. Placeineachboxyournumericalresponse(1-5)totheitemnumberwhichisindicatedbelowthebox.
2. Foreachgift,addthenumbersintheboxesandputthetotalintheTOTALbox.
LEADERSHIP + + + + = Item 6 Item 16 Item 27 Item 43 Item 65 TOTAL ADMINISTRATION + + + + = Item 1 Item 17 Item 31 Item 47 Item 59 TOTAL TEACHING + + + + = Item 2 Item 18 Item 33 Item 61 Item 73 TOTAL KNOWLEDGE + + + + = Item 9 Item 24 Item 39 Item 68 Item 79 TOTAL WISDOM + + + + = Item 3 Item 19 Item 48 Item 62 Item 74 TOTAL PROPHECY + + + + = Item 10 Item 25 Item 40 Item 54 Item 69 TOTAL DISCERNMENT + + + + = Ite m 11 Item 26 Item 41 Item 55 Item 70 TOTAL EXHORTATION + + + + = Item 20 Item 34 Item 49 Item 63 Item 75 TOTAL SHEPHERDING + + + + = Item 4 Item 21 Item 35 Item 50 Item 76 TOTAL FAITH + + + + = Item 12 Item 28 Item 42 Item 56 Item 80 TOTAL EVANGELISM + + + + = Item 5 Item 36 Item 51 Item 64 Item 77 TOTAL APOSTLESHIP + + + + = Item 13 Item 29 Item 44 Item 57 Item 71 TOTAL SERVICE/HELPS + + + + = Item 14 Item 30 Item 46 Ite m 58 Item 72 TOTAL
![Page 50: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/50.jpg)
50
MERCY + + + + = Item 7 Item 22 Item 37 Item 52 Item 66 TOTAL GIVING + + + + = Item 8 Item 23 Item 38 Item 53 Item 67 TOTAL HOSPITALITY + + + + = Item 15 Item 32 Item 45 Item 60 Item 78 TOTAL
Nowthatyouhavecompletedthesurvey,thoughtfullyanswerthefollowingquestions.ThegiftsIhavebeguntodiscoverinmylifeare:1. 2. 3.
Afterprayerandworship,IambeginningtosensethatGodwantsmetousemyspiritualgiftstoserveChrist’sbodyby .IamnotsureyethowGodwantsmetousemygiftstoserveothers.ButIamcommittedtoprayerandworship,seekingwisdomandopportunitiestousethegiftsIhavereceivedfromGod.AskGodtohelpyouknowhowHehasgiftedyouforserviceandhowyoucanbegintousethisgiftinministrytoothers.
GiftsDescription8Romans12:6-8;1Corinthians12:8-10,28-30;Ephesians4:11;and1Peter4:9-11containrepresentativelistsofgiftsandrolesGodhasgiventothechurch.Adefinitionofthesegiftsfollows.9
8LifeWayChristianResources9Thesedefinitionsexcludethe“signgifts”becauseofsomeconfusionthataccompaniesthesegiftsandbecausetheyaredifficulttofitintoministrieswithinatypicalchurch’sministrybase.
![Page 51: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/51.jpg)
51
Leadership–Leadershipaidsthebodybyleadinganddirectingmemberstoaccomplishthegoalsandpurposesofthechurch.Leadershipmotivatespeopletoworktogetherinunitytowardcommongoals(Rom.12:8).
Administration–Personswiththegiftofadministrationleadthebodybysteeringotherstoremainontask.AdministrationenablesthebodytoorganizeaccordingtoGod-givenpurposesandlong-termgoals(1Cor.12:28).
Teaching–TeachingisinstructingmembersinthetruthsanddoctrinesofGod’sWordforthepurposesofbuildingup,unifying,andmaturingthebody(1Cor.12:28;Rom.12:7;Eph.4:11).
Knowledge–Thegiftofknowledgemanifestsitselfinteachingandtrainingindiscipleship.ItistheGod-givenabilitytolearn,know,andexplaintheprecioustruthsofGod’sWord.AwordofknowledgeisaSpirit-revealedtruth(1Cor.12:28).
Wisdom–WisdomisthegiftthatdiscernstheworkoftheHolySpiritinthebodyandappliesHisteachingsandactionstotheneedsofthebody(1Cor.12:28).
Prophecy–ThegiftofprophecyisproclaimingtheWordofGodboldly.Thisbuildsupthebodyandleadstoconvictionofsin.Prophecymanifestsitselfinpreachingandteaching(1Cor.12:10;Rom.12:6).
Discernment–Discernmentaidsthebodybyrecognizingthetrueintentionsofthosewithinorrelatedtothebody.Discernmentteststhemessageandactionsofothersfortheprotectionandwell-beingofthebody(1Cor.12:10).
Exhortation–PossessorofthisgiftencouragememberstobeinvolvedinandenthusiasticabouttheworkoftheLord.Memberswiththisgiftaregoodcounselorsandmotivateotherstoservice.Exhortationexhibitsitselfinpreaching,teaching,andministry(Rom.12:8).Shepherding–Thegiftofshepherdingismanifestedinpersonswholookoutforthespiritualwelfareofothers.Althoughpastors,likeshepherds,docareformembersofthechurch,thisgiftisnotlimitedtoapastororstaffmember(Eph.4:11).
Faith–FaithtrustsGodtoworkbeyondthehumancapabilitiesofthepeople.BelieverswiththisgiftencourageotherstotrustinGodinthefaceofapparentlyinsurmountableodds(1Cor.12:9).
Evangelism–GodgiftshischurchwithevangeliststoleadotherstoChristeffectivelyandenthusiastically.Thisgiftbuildsupthebodybyaddingnewmemberstoitsfellowship(Eph.4:11).
![Page 52: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/52.jpg)
52
Apostleship–Thechurchsendsapostlesfromthebodytoplantchurchesorbemissionaries.ApostlesmotivatethebodytolookbeyonditswallsinordertocarryouttheGreatCommission(1Cor.12:28;Eph.4:11).
Service/Helps–Thosewiththegiftofservice/helpsrecognizepracticalneedsinthebodyandjoyfullygiveassistancetomeetingthoseneeds.Christianswiththisgiftdonotmindworkingbehindthescenes(1Cor.12:28;Rom.12:7).
Mercy–Cheerfulactsofcompassioncharacterizethosewiththegiftofmercy.Personswiththisgiftaidthebodybyempathizingwithhurtingmembers.Theykeepthebodyhealthyandunifiedbykeepingothersawareoftheneedswithinthechurch(Rom.12:8).
Giving–Memberswiththegiftofgivinggivefreelyandjoyfullytotheworkandmissionofthebody.Cheerfulnessandliberalityarecharacteristicsofindividualswiththisgift(Rom.12:8).
Hospitality–Thosewiththisgifthavetheabilitytomakevisitors,guests,andstrangersfeelatease.Theyoftenusetheirhometoentertainguests.Personswiththisgiftintegratenewmembersintothebody(1Pet.4:9).
GodhasgiftedyouwithanexpressionofHisHolySpirittosupportHisvisionandmissionofthechurch.ItisaworldwidevisiontoreachallpeoplewiththegospelofChrist.Asaservantleader,GoddesiresthatyouknowhowHehasgiftedyou.ThiswillleadyoutowhereHewouldhaveyouserveaspartofHisvisionandmissionforthechurch.10
PersonalAssessmentofNeeds“Thisishowweknowwhatloveis:JesusChristlaiddownhislifeforus.Andweoughttolaydownourlivesforourbrothersandsisters.Ifanyonehasmaterialpossessionsandseesa
brotherorsisterinneedbuthasnopityonthem,howcantheloveofGodbeinthatperson?Dearchildren,letusnotlovewithwordsorspeechbutwithactionsandin
truth.”1John3:16-18
Scriptureclearlyteachesthateverypersonwhocomesintochurchmembershipshouldcomeexpectingtoreceiveandtogive.Functionally,eachofusistobringresourcestomeettheneedsofothers.(Eph.4:16;Rom.15:1-6;Acts4:34-35).Bysodoing,welearnthatbyworking
10GeneWilkesispastorofLegacyChurch,Plano,Texas.ThisarticlewasadaptedfromJesusonLeadership:DevelopingServantLeaders,byGeneWilkes(LifeWayChristianResources1998).
![Page 53: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/53.jpg)
53
togetherunderHisguidanceandblessing,wecanmeeteveryneedinthebodyandprovideamodeltotheworldofhowGodtakescareofHisbody.Weprovethattogetherallthingsreallyarepossibleifwebelieveandoperateaccordingly.TheOperationforEveryNeedBeingMet
Everymembershouldoperateinthefollowingmanner:1. Collectinghelpfulinformationthatanswersastatedneed;2. Prayingforsuccessconcerningtheneeds;3. Usingyourinfluencetoopendoorsforothers;4. Preparingotherswiththesoftskillstosucceed;and5. Rejoicingwiththegroupinthissuccess.
WhatdoyouwantorneedhelpwithfromNHCI?Whatisyourself-interest?(Checkasmanyboxesthatapply)
� FinancialAssistance
� Job/Career
� Housing
� Food
� Childcare
� Counseling
� Other(s):
IfYouHaveaNeed,ThenHelpUsMeetaNeed!!!
![Page 54: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/54.jpg)
54
RecommendedBooksforSpiritualGrowthv TheNormalChristianChurchLifebyWatchmanNee
v MereChristianitybyC.S.Lewis
v God’sChosenFastbyAndrewWallis
v HearingGod:DevelopingaConversationalRelationshipwithGodbyDallas
Willard
v TheSpiritofChristbyAndrewMurray
v BoneofHisBonebyF.J.Huegel
v DiscipleshipbyDietrichBonhoeffer
v The5LoveLanguagesbyGaryChapman(forcouples)
v TheKeytoTriumphantLivingbyJackR.Taylor
v SimplyJesusbyN.T.Wright
v ThePurposeDrivenLifebyRickWarren
v The21IrrefutableLawsofLeadershipbyJohnMaxwell
v IntercessoryPrayerbyDutchSheets
v KnowWhatyouBelievebyPaulLittle
![Page 55: New Members Orientation Booklet 2016 · This booklet will provide an introduction to the many opportunities for ... , and missions outreach to the world. Question 6: How are members](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022053020/5f830985a3c31b63db010ba8/html5/thumbnails/55.jpg)